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Categorical Exclusions

Categorical Exclusion (CE) Documentation

The practitioner has the option to choose between two formats of CE documentation for ADOT highway development projects. They are:
 
1. Categorical Exclusion Checklist
This checklist is the preferred format for environmental documentation to help streamline the CE reporting process. The downloads consist of the actual checklist working document (with revision history), checklist introduction, checklist guidelines (to assist with the completion of the checklist document), and clearance memo templates. The clearance memo templates include a Group One Categorical Exclusion and a Group Two Categorical Exclusion. Please use the appropriate template and submit it with the Categorical Exclusion Checklist.

 Categorical Exclusion Checklist (file size: 755KB)
 Checklist Guidelines Introduction (file size: 18KB)
 Checklist Guidelines (file size: 681KB)
 Clearance Memo Templates (file size: 347KB)

2. Completion Guidelines and Format / Clearance Memo Templates
If the above Categorical Exclusion Checklist does not appear to adequately support the level of environmental investigation due to more complex or sensitive projects, these guidelines provide an alternative format. The first link includes guidelines that will the planning practitioner in preparing environmental documentation for ADOT highway projects that are classified as Categorical Exclusions. The second link includes clearance memos that are presented in two templates: a Group One Categorical Exclusion and a Group Two Categorical Exclusion. Please use the appropriate template and submit it with the Categorical Exclusion document. To check the latest updates with the guidelines, refer to the third link for the revision history.

 Categorical Exclusion and Environmental Determination: Completion Guidelines and Format for ADOT Projects (file size: 1.1MB)
 Revision Chart - CE Guidelines (file size: 13KB)
 Clearance Memo Templates (file size: 347KB)

Categorical Exclusion for Federally Funded Local Government Projects and Transportation Enhancement Projects
The practitioner has the option to choose between two formats of CE documentation for federally funded local government projects and Transportation Enhancement projects. They are explained and available for download on the EPG Local Government web page.

Guidance for Categorical Exclusion Groups One and Two Projects
This guidance lists the type of projects and required documentation for Group One and Group Two projects that are processed as Categorical Exclusions.

 Guidance for Categorical Exclusion Group One and Two Projects (file size: 23KB)

Guidance for Programmatic Categorical Exclusion Approval
This guidance list conditions that apply to those actions which qualify under 23 CFR 77.117(d) that are processed by ADOT under programmatic approval.

 Guidance for Programmatic Categorical Exclusion (file size: 120KB)

Categorical Exclusion Scoping Guidance
This guidance explains objectives, purpose, techniques and point of contacts for sending scoping letters during the initial phase of categorical exclusion documentation.

 Categorical Exclusion Scoping Guidance (file size: 11KB)