The
Environmental Planning Group (EPG) oversees the preparation
of environmental documents for all highway improvement and
enhancement projects. These documents insure that all relevant
environmental factors are appropriately addressed and mitigated.
The primary documents include Environmental Determinations
(Categorical Exclusions) for projects that do not have significant
environmental impacts, Environmental Assessments (EAs)
for projects that may have significant impacts, and Environmental
Impact Statements (EISs) for projects having significant
impacts. Supplemental documents include Section 4(f) Evaluations
for projects that impact publicly owned recreation areas,
wildlife refuges, or historic sites.
As part of the planning process, EPG participates in an effective
public involvement program to assist ADOT in making sound
project decisions.
The primary public involvement activities include Public
Meetings and Public Hearings. They are conducted
as an open-forum format with an optional brief presentation.
The Public Hearings also feature a court reporter who prepares
a verbatim transcript of the hearing's proceedings.
The meetings are announced to the public through display advertisements
in local newspapers. Outreach may also include direct mailings,
posters, door-hangers, and public service ads.
The guidance in the right-hand column provide information
to help the consultant or local government representative
prepare such documents so they meet regulations and policies
of the Federal Highway Administration, and the ADOT Action
Plan.
