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Addressing Construction Impacts

Addressing Construction Impacts. IMHO…. Often given short shrift in NEPA documents. Preparers sometimes used generic or “canned” text. Fail to address context-specific issues. TA 6640.8A. Address potential adverse impacts of each alternative.

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Addressing Construction Impacts

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  1. Addressing Construction Impacts

  2. IMHO… • Often given short shrift in NEPA documents. • Preparers sometimes used generic or “canned” text. • Fail to address context-specific issues.

  3. TA 6640.8A • Address potential adverse impacts of each alternative. • Particularly air, noise, water, traffic, detours, safety, visual… • Address impacts of borrow or disposal of materials when they are important. • Identify appropriate mitigation measures.

  4. Noise • FHWA has issued Highway Construction Noise Handbook. • Available at Noise website. • Useful reference for NEPA and noise practitioners.

  5. Detours, Closures and Safety • Detours and closures can have severe adverse impacts. • May require additional projects on adjacent roadways. • Small businesses, non-motorized users and transit users often affected.

  6. Business Owners Are Elusive • They are often too busy to attend public meetings and open houses. • But if their businesses are disrupted, they are very vocal.

  7. They can go from quiet to…

  8. Lessons from T-REX • Not the dino. The big I-25 project in Denver. • Continuous, proactive outreach to the community and businesses. • Well-publicized closure and detour info. • Result: some griping, few truly loud complaints.

  9. Post-NEPA changes • Applicants need to consult with FHWA prior to ROW, PS&E and bid award. • Written reevaluation may be needed. • Mitigation changes may require re-opening consultation with resource agencies. • Need to ensure mitigation commitments carried through into specifications.

  10. Recommendations • Make sure construction impact section not just “canned” text. • Analysis should reflect site-specific conditions. • Attention should be paid to pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users. • May need special outreach to business owners.

  11. Recommendations (cont.) • Make sure applicants are consulting with FHWA before requesting new approvals. • Prepare written reevaluations as needed. • Make sure mitigation still achievable and cost-effective. • Ensure mitigation included in specs. • Others?

  12. In summary, this isn’t what we want.

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