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Get the latest updates on Alaska's Department of Transportation and Public Facilities' environmental procedures, including changes in processing historic resources, storm water BMPs, and regulations as a result of MAP-21.
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Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities 2013 Preconstruction Managers Meeting Environmental Ben White
Environmental Discussion Updates to Alaska’s 6004 Program Where are we on the Environmental Procedures Manual(s) Changes in the way we process Historic Resources Updates on the Storm Water BMP Manual Changes as a result of MAP-21 Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect
6004 Program Updates • New MOU signed September 2012 • Under the first 6004 MOU (September 2009 through September 2012) • Over 500 projects processed under 6004 program • Average of 180 projects processed per year in the prior two years • Over 80% of FHWA funded CEs Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect
6004 Program Data(9/1/2009 through 9/30/2012) Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect
6004 Program Data During the first three years…review by the Statewide Environmental Office. COA Form approval time has been 3.6 workdays “c” list CE average review time has been 4.6 workdays “d” list CE average review time has been 7.8 workdays
6004 Program Accomplishments • Internal approval of Environmental Procedures Manual for 6004 Program • Section 106 regional delegation • Reduction of findings in FHWA program reviews • 21 findings in 2010 / 2 findings in 2011 / 0 findings in 2012 • Moved from “high risk” to “medium risk” program Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect
Environmental Procedures Manual • SEO is now developing two separate manuals. • 6004 Environmental Procedures Manual • FHWA Environmental Procedures Manual • Allows more specific procedures, reduces confusion. • First three chapters for 6004 Manual have been approved. Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect
Environmental Procedures Manual First three chapters – Overview Class of Action Categorical Exclusions Next chapters to roll out over the next couple of months…re-evaluations, Section 4(f)/6(f), public involvement, socioeconomic, noise. Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect
Section 106 Process Changes Historic Roads PA Interim Guidance Formation of the Cultural Resources Team (CRT) Modification of 2004 Interim Procedures Under 6004, regional delegation of Section 106 responsibilities Started drafting Section 106 Program PA Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect
Standard Storm Water BMPs Developing 40 construction BMP standards for contracts • Design Considerations booklet to assist designer in selection • Contracts: Specifications or Plans or both Plan Sheets include notes on materials, installation, inspection maintenance, removal • SWPPP Guide Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect
Standard Storm Water BMPs Developing 3 maintenance BMP standards for staff guidance Guidance for Staff on: • Ditch Maintenance • Snow Removal • Bridge Maintenance
Standard Storm Water BMPs Proposed Schedule Sept. 2012: Contract signed Dec. 2012: First 3 BMPs Mar. 2013: 8 more BMPs Apr. 2013: 11 more BMPs Jun. 2013: 11 more BMPs Aug. 2013: 11 more BMPs Oct. 2013: Post all products on web Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect
Changes in MAP-21 Any State can choose to assume specific CE designations in FHWA NEPA regulations Environmental review process streamlining FEIS and ROD combined in certain conditions Allows for the use of planning products in the NEPA process Deadlines for issue resolution, with penalties for agencies Programmatic mitigation plans Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect
Changes in MAP-21 cont. Reduced statute of limitations on claims (150 days, not 180) Expanded authority for categorical exclusions Multi-modal projects Projects to repair roads damaged in declared emergency Projects within existing operational right-of-way Projects receiving limited Federal assistance
Changes to CEs in MAP-21 New CE: Projects to repair roads damaged in declared emergency (Sec.1315) New CE: Projects within existing operational right-of-way (Sec. 1316) New CE: Projects receiving limited Federal assistance (Sec. 1317) Survey use of CEs and solicit potential new CEs (Sec. 1318(a)-(b)) Re-designation of some (d) list CEs to (c) list (Sec. 1318(c)) Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect
Summary Changes taking place this year, require effective communication. 6004 Program Oversight Environmental Procedures Manual(s) Section 106 Program PA Storm Water BMP Manual Regulation changes as a result of MAP-21 Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect
Questions? Ben White Statewide Environmental Program Manager Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities 3132 Channel Drive, P.O. Box 112500 Juneau, Alaska 99811-2500 ben.white@alaska.gov Phone: (907) 465-6961 FAX: (907) 465-5240 Statewide Environmental Office Website: http://www.dot.state.ak.us/stwddes/desenviron/index.shtml Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect