When we think of the importance of our transportation system, we recognize its value in getting us from point A to point B. But more than just getting us there, our transportation system is integrated into almost every aspect of our daily lives — from where we choose to work, to where we shop, and how we recreate. Many, many miles of roadway are necessary to offer us choices as community members and consumers. In fact, the United States contains approximately 4 million miles of roads. If you stripped borders, mountains, and rivers off a map of the United States, you could generate a clearly recognizable map of the country that is defined alone by pavement.
凭借这一数英里的道路，集体国家和市政当局构建，拥有和经营该系统基本上包括整个国家最大的土地所有者和“开发商”。由于公共资金用于运输项目，因此这些实体往往在规划，设计和构建运输项目时经常受到更严格的环境标准。
Planning
在运输项目的构想下，规划往往包括根据国家环境政策法的要求评估潜在的环境影响（NEPA). The NEPA process, also referred to as the environmental review process, includes identifying potential environmental benefits and impacts of the project using several alternative courses of action including a “no-build” option. An environmental benefit of a transportation project can include the addition of bike/pedestrian/transit, while an impact may be reduction of wildlife habitat. This process, including any public review and commenting periods, could last from one to three years (or more) depending on the complexity of the project.
Design
After the planning and environmental review process is completed, transportation project design can begin. An important environmental component completed during the design process is evaluating properties that will need to be acquired. Due to the linear nature and sheer size of transportation projects, hundreds of properties or portions of properties may need to be purchased. Similar to private developer property transactions, performing appropriate environmental due diligence is essential. If not performed properly, public entities can become “responsible parties” under CERCLA (i.e., Superfund law), in the same manner as private entities.
Environmental due diligence includes the completion of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) to identify possible contaminant sources. On transportation projects, the Phase I ESA format is modified to accommodate the properties within entire project corridor rather than generating separate reports for individual properties. Some Phase I ESAs may include a ranking section to identify properties that have a higher potential for contamination to streamline communication and decision-making.
If the results of thePhase I ESAindicate the likely presence of contamination, a阶段II esa通常进行并包括环境媒体的抽样。在许多项目中，环境采样可以同时进行，作为岩土工程评估，以节省钻机踏化，交通管制，访问和允许成本。雷竞技的电竞比分网与设计团队合作进行的II阶段ESA，不仅会评估潜在的土地征集责任，还可以减轻未来建设的风险。
As planning and designing a transportation project is often a lengthy and iterative process, evaluating environmental impacts risks early and throughout the project lifecycle will reduce overall project risk, maintain schedule, and preserve precious public funds. Stay tuned for the next blog in this series that details environmental compliance during transportation project construction. Braun Intertec has specialty staff dedicated to the quality delivery of transportation projects. We work with clients through every phase of the project lifecycle – from initial site selection, to design and construction, through closeout. Please reach out to environmental consultant,Jackie Dylla, CHMM, if you have any questions!