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Section 3: The Environmental Process

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Overview

This section is an introduction to the process involved in obtaining environmental clearance for a TxDOT construction project. It includes the basic information needed to obtain environmental clearance for a project. Details on the process are provided in subsequent chapters. The next subsections discuss:

  • identifying basic information
  • using the information.
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Identifying Basic Information

In order to obtain environmental clearance for a construction project, the following must be determined:

  • project scope (bridge replacement, additional lanes, resurfacing, etc.)
  • project funding (federal, state, other)
  • purpose of and need for project
  • changes to form, layout, or function of the roadway
  • describe the land use/character of the project area (rural/agricultural, urban, suburban)
  • parks, recreational areas known, historic/archeological sites, or wildlife areas, etc. in the project area
  • topography and physical geology
  • need for additional right-of-way and how much will be acquired with maps (as needed)
  • need for any temporary easements (construction, drainage)
  • affected citizens and/or organizations in the project area that need to be contacted
  • controversy or potential for controversy
  • potential environmental issues
  • measures to avoid, minimize or compensate for environmental impacts
  • prior disturbance of rights of way
  • anticipated permits.
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Using the Information

The following components lead to environmental clearance:

Preliminary survey, documentation, public involvement, interagency coordination, permitting; and commitments.

There are three types of environmental documentation - categorical exclusions (CEs), environmental assessments (EAs), and environmental impact statements (EISs). Which one is used depends on the degree that the project will impact the environment.

The following tables assist in selecting the type of environmental document needed, suitable public involvement, and any necessary interagency coordination and/or environmental permits.

Environmental Documentation Decisions

If the project involves:

Then the document should be:

minor improvement; no additional right of way; no additional travel lanes; no obvious environmental impacts.

categorical exclusion

  • blanket

little or no additional right of way; no additional travel lanes; no obvious environmental impacts (shoulder widening, bridge replacements)

categorical exclusion

uncertainty about the extent of impacts

environmental assessment

A poten