Chapter 12: Environment
Anchor: #CFAECJAHSection 1: Introduction
TxDOT and our Contractors are required to comply with all applicable state and federal environmental laws, rules, and regulations throughout the project delivery process, including during construction and post construction both on and off ROW (for PSLs). Failure to comply can result in fines, violations, enforcement actions, citations, and criminal prosecution for TxDOT and Contractor personnel.
TxDOT's environmental review phase for the project may establish environmental permits, issues, and commitments (EPICs). EPIC’s that are the responsibility of the Contractor to comply with are incorporated into the Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) and documented on the EPIC sheet, in the general notes, and in specifications. It is the Engineer’s responsibility to ensure that any EPIC’s in the plans are complied with during the construction process. Because change orders can impact assumptions made during the environmental review phase of the project's development, it is important that environmental staff can review them before change ordered work is completed to prevent unpermitted and unauthorized activities from occurring. If the Contractor initiates changes to the Contract and the Department approves the changes, the Contractor is responsible for obtaining clearances and coordinating with the appropriate regulatory agencies.