The
Environmental Planning Group is highly cognizant of wildlife
and its habitat throughout the state. Each highway project
is meticulously evaluated for impacts to wildlife including
species classified as Threatened and Endangered by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, and various species listed by
resource agencies.
The primary documents used to evaluate wildlife include
Biological Assessments and Biological Assessment
and Evaluations. Also specific biological studies are
conducted for highway projects on Tribal lands.
To help preserve the integrity of native vegetation
throughout the state, the Environmental Planning Group also
evaluates projects for invasive weeds, and prescribes mitigation
measures to remove and prevent introduction of such species.
The Environmental Planning Group also
assists ADOT in promoting water quality through Section
404 of the Clean Water Act. The primary documents prepared
to acquire Section 404 permits from the US Army Corps of
Engineers include Preconstruction Notifications (for
projects that do not require an individual permit) and Individual
404 Permit Applications.
Many ADOT projects require an Arizona Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System permit. This permit
is handled by the ADOT Roadside Development Section. For
more information on this permit, please call the ADOT Roadside
Development office at telephone 602-712-7357.
The guidance in the right-hand column provide information
to help consultants, local government representatives, or
ADOT Districts to prepare accurate biological assessments,
invasive weeds evaluations, and Section 404 permit applications.
