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Environmental > Final DEIS GAF

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS)

GUIDANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY FORM
KENTUCKY TRANSPORTATION CABINET/DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Prepared by: Author: Firm:
County: Route: Item No.:
Description:
Prime Consultant:
Due Date: Submittal Date: Submittal Draft #: Approval Date:

Instructions:

Draft Environmental Impact Assessment Prepared by: Name of author/firm that prepared the study.
County: Name of county(ies) within which the project is located.
Route: Name of highway for which the project is intended. Include route designation and number as applicable (i.e. US 60, Winchester Rd.)
Item No.: Item number as it appears in the contract and Six Year Plan which corresponds with the project.
Description: Official description of the project as it appears in the Six Year Plan.
Prime Consultant: Name of the Phase I Design and Environmental Consultant (prime contract holder) for the project.
Due Date: Date that the project is due as agreed upon in contract negotiation.
Date of Submittal/Submittal Draft Number: Date of submittal and draft being submitted (1st, 2nd, 3rd) in appropriate sections.
Approval Date: Date baseline is approved by DEA (DEA use only).

For "Required" column: X indicates all applicable areas of focus (DEA's responsibility).
For "Completed" column: use Y for yes and NA for not applicable as necessary (Consultant's responsibility).
For "DEA" Column: DEA will use X for all areas that adequately address concerns, and "I" for those that are insufficient in coverage.

"Comment" page: Discuss supplemental information, guidance or instructions, if any, that required deviation from the checklist. Discuss all categories which contain "NA" in the "Complete" columns of this format. Comments regarding the content and format of this form and/or its applicability may also be submitted in the comments section.

"Commitments to be Implemented" page: Identify any commitments that are documented within the study. Specify the nature of the commitment, to whom it was or should be made, when the commitment should be enacted upon, etc.

"Mitigation and Special Issues" page: Identify mitigation measures that are specified within the report, if any. Also, identify any special issues that are addressed within the document that should be considered by the Project Team as it makes decisions regarding the project.

"Signature" page: Signatures of Prime Consultant and KYTC/DEA Environmental Project Manager/Reviewer will attest that the base study meets the requirements set forth in this checklist. Signatures of KYTC Project Manager and District Environmental Coordinator ensure that the findings of the report, including impacts to the project and mitigation measures have been presented to the project development team and are acceptable.

Completed form is to be delivered to KYTC with the document. Previous checklists for the document, or a copy thereof, shall be attached to the current checklist.



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Title Page

     

Identify level of Environmental Documentation (DEIS)

      Adequate project description (route, termini, city or county, and state)
      Include State and Federal Project Item Number
      Statement: Submitted Pursuant To 42 U.S.C. 4332 (2)(c) By The U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Environmental Analysis
      Identify Cooperating Agency(s)
      Date of Submittal (month and year)
 

Signature Page

     

Identify level of Environmental Documentation (EIS)

      Include project description (route, termini, city or county, and state)
      Include State and Federal Project Item Number
      Statement: Submitted Pursuant To 42 U.S.C. 4332 (2)(c) By The U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Environmental Analysis
      Identify Cooperating Agency(s)
      Signature line for FHWA and KYTC
 

Project Impact Profile

     

Fill out Project Impact Profile Sheet and attach to document

      Identify further work required for unresolved issues

 



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Executive Summary

     

A brief description of the proposed FHWA action indicating route, termini, type of improvement, number of lanes, length, county, city, state, etc.

      A description of any major actions proposed by other governmental agencies in the same geographic area as the proposed FHWA action
      Discuss all reasonable alternatives considered including the preferred alternative and the basis for its selection, if applicable.
      Summarize all major environmental impacts, both beneficial and adverse
      Discuss any areas of controversy, including those raised by agencies and the public
      Discuss any unresolved issues (permit approvals, land transfers, Section 106, etc.)
 

Table of Contents

     

List areas of focus and appropriate page numbers where the information can be found

      Listing of exhibits, figures, and tables

 



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Purpose and Need

     

Identify the Purpose and Need of the project

      Discuss project description and setting
      Description of existing facility
      Briefly describe the project history including actions taken to date (intermediate planning, scoping etc.)
 
Identify and provide discussion on the following, as it pertains to the Purpose and Need:
     

Logical termini/independent utility

      System Linkage
      Safety/accident analysis data
      Roadway deficiencies
      Modal Interrelationships - How will the proposed facility interface with and serve to complement airports, rail road facilities, mass transit services, etc.
      Level of service/capacity/congestion mitigation
      Status of the project relative to the six year plan and STIP
      Economic development enhancement
      Mandated by legislation, if applicable
      Provide an Exhibit showing the project area

 



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Alternatives Considered but Eliminated

     

Clearly summarize basis for eliminating other alternative previously considered but rejected during the project development process (using 3Es: engineering, environment, economic)

 

Alternatives

The No Build Discussion

     

Discuss anticipated LOS/ADT/capacity/congestion

      Discuss safety and maintenance improvements, both beneficial and adverse.
      Discuss whether or not the No Build Alternative will satisfy the Purpose and Need
      Discuss current Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities. Also discuss the beneficial and adverse impact the no build alternative, if chosen, would have on these facilities.
      Discuss beneficial and adverse impacts that Congestion Management, Mass Transit, and light rail will have on the no build alternative, if chosen.
      Discuss Public Transit

 



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Build Alternatives

     

Describe each alternative from their respective logical termini points

      Discuss typical sections/design features for each alternative. Include interchanges, additional collector roads, shoulder and pavement widths, Access, grade, turn lanes, etc.
      Discuss design speeds, anticipated LOS, and traffic data
      Include comparative table to identify the environmental impacts of each alternative
      Discuss opportunities for providing pedestrian and bicycle facilities
      Discuss Congestion Management, Mass Transit, and light rail options for the project.
      Statement that the final selection of an alternative will be made only after consideration of impacts and public hearing comments
      Sufficient (legible, understandable) exhibits showing alternatives
      Discuss 4(f) avoidance alternative(s), if necessary
      Identify Preferred Alternative, if applicable, and provide justification
      Include comparative table of estimated project cost (design, right-of-way, utilities, construction) for each alternative

 



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Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Air Quality

     

Discuss current conditions and attainment status of the project area

      Discuss studies that have been conducted and which air quality model was used
      State that conformity determinations are based on the latest planning assumption
      Place Air Quality Conformity statement in document. Project must be in conforming TIP (give page number)
      Discuss regional compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
      Discuss current and anticipated carbon monoxide levels for each alternative
      Demonstrate that the project does not cause or contribute to any new localized CO violations or increase the frequency or severity of any existing CO non-attainment and maintenance areas
      Discuss cumulative and indirect impacts
      Discuss mitigation, minimization, or avoidance options that would minimize environmental impacts to air quality

 



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Noise

     

Discuss current conditions, including existing ambient noise levels

      Discuss studies that have been conducted to analyze noise impacts
      Identify sensitive noise receptors (schools, churches, hospitals, businesses, etc)
      Compare existing and predicted noise levels with noise abatement criteria (NAC) for each alternative.Provide table.
      Discuss noise impacts for each alternative
      Discuss reasonable and feasible noise abatement measures that would likely be incorporated into the project (i.e., noise barrier walls, berms, truck restrictions, vertical separations, speed limits), and associated cost. If no prudent solution is reasonably available, discuss why.
      Statement that final decision on implementation of abatement measures will be made after completion of the project design and the public involvement process
      Statement regarding contractor requirements to restrict or reduce transmission of noise during construction activity
      Discuss cumulative and indirect impacts
      Provide exhibit that shows sensitive noise receptors and location where noise receptor monitoring took place

 



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Water Quality and Stream Impacts

     

Establish baseline conditions including water quality analysis, existing streams, and aquatic and riparian habitat

      Discuss studies that have been conducted
      Discuss water quality analysis, existing streams, and aquatic and riparian habitat
      Discuss potential impacts for each alternative (channel changes, culverts, bridges, filling, etc.)
      Include comparative table which shows water quality impacts for each alternative
      Discuss roadway runoff
      Discuss consultation with DOW, USACE, and any other appropriate agencies
      Identify and discuss public water sources, wells, and groundwater runoff
      Discuss non-point source pollutants
      Identify sole source aquifers
      Discuss efforts to avoid, minimize, and mitigation any impacts
      Discuss permits that may be required
      Discuss cumulative and indirect impacts
      Provide an exhibit which identifies the water resources within the corridor(s)

 



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Floodplains

      Identify 100 year floodplains using National Flood Insurance Program maps
      Identify encroachments of project alternatives onto floodplains
      Discuss efforts to avoid, minimize, and mitigate encroachment
      Discuss coordination required (FEMA, DOW, other agencies)
      Discuss permits that are required if applicable
      Discuss cumulative and indirect impacts
Insert check mark and page number(s) as appropriate

Wetlands

     

Establish baseline conditions (discuss and identify location, type, quality, and function)

      Discuss field studies that were conducted
      Discuss results of National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps
      Discuss potential wetland impacts
      Discuss agency coordination and permits that may be required
      Discuss efforts to avoid and minimize impacts and appropriate mitigation
      Include statement that exact determination of impacts to jurisdictional wetlands will be made in conjunction with other resource agencies during final design
      Discuss cumulative and indirect impacts
      Table identifying wetland type, number of acres, and approximate area of impact for each alternative
      Include exhibit showing location of wetlands for each alternative

 



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Wild and Scenic Rivers

     

Establish baseline conditions (identify designated wild and scenic rivers)

      Discuss involvement with any stream designated as wild and scenic river
      Discuss Section 4(f) and 6(f) involvement, if applicable
      Discuss coordination between highway agency and National Park Service, if applicable
      Discuss cumulative and indirect impacts
      Provide Exhibit showing location and impact of wild and scenic river, if applicable
Insert check mark and page number(s) as appropriate

Federally Threatened and Endangered Species

     

Establish baseline conditions (terrestrial ecosystems: habitat types, quality and distribution etc.)

      Discuss studies that have been conducted
      Discuss coordination with USFWS, KDFWR, and KNPC. Include coordination letters in appendix.
      Identify any federally threatened or endangered species and/or designated or proposed critical habitat that may be impacted
      Identify any state protected/special concern species
      Discuss how the project would affect wildlife migration patterns, if applicable
      Include exhibit showing location of critical habitat, if present
      Discuss Biological Assessment (BA) requirements and, if applicable, Section 7 Consultation requirements
      Discuss mitigation and/or avoidance alternatives for impacts to TE species or critical habitat, if necessary
      Discuss cumulative and indirect impacts

 



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Historic Structures or Districts

     

Discuss studies that were conducted in determining historic characteristics of the area

      Describe Area of Potential Effect [APE] (include KYTC and SHPO approval letter in the Appendices)
      Identify properties potentially eligible or determined to be eligible for the National Register
      Discuss potential effects on each historic property for each alternative
      Reference coordination with SHPO regarding eligibility and effects (include letters in Appendix)
      Discuss any adverse effects and avoidance alternatives or minimization and mitigation, if required
      Discuss coordination with FHWA if the project is determined to have an adverse effect on an historic structure or district
      Reference MOA in Appendix, if applicable
      Discuss cumulative and indirect impacts
      Provide exhibit which identifies APE, and all Historic Structures and/or Districts within the project corridor

 



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Archaeological Sites

     

Discuss Area of Potential Effect (APE)

      Discuss archaeological investigations that were conducted for each alternative
      Describe all archaeological sites identified, including significance and/or value of the site
      Identify any sites potentially eligible or determined to be eligible for National Register
      Discuss any parcel(s) for which Phase I could not be completed due to lack of property owner permission (document efforts to access property)
      Identify sites recommended for additional work (Phase II)
      Reference coordination with SHPO regarding archaeological sites and recommendations for further work (include letters in Appendix)
      Include MOU in Appendix for any sites that require additional work
      Discuss cumulative and indirect impacts
 

Section 106

     

Identify consulting parties, including federally recognized Native American tribes

      Discuss efforts to consult with Native American tribes, local governmental agencies, the public and other interested parties
      Discuss an involvement that other agencies/organizations (public groups, citizens advisory groups, resource agencies, etc.) may have had throughout the project process

 



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Land Use

     

Discuss existing land use. Include Regional Summary.

      Discuss project compatibility with existing land use plans
      Discuss comprehensive development plans for the area, if applicable
      Discuss growth inducement (current development trends; indirect effects of the project on land use patterns, population density and growth rate)
      Discuss anticipated changes in land use, if applicable.
      Discuss cumulative and indirect impacts
      Provide exhibit, which shows current land use of the study area (include farmland, community, recreational facilities by type)

 



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Community/Social Impacts

     

Establish baseline conditions (existing neighborhoods and communities)

     

Discuss population (past, present, and future trends)

      Discuss age distribution
      Discuss community cohesion
      Discuss impacts to the elderly, disabled, non-drivers, transit-dependent, etc.
      Identify family or socially interdependent clusters (two or more residents share phone, car, etc.)
      Discuss employment, income, and labor force
      Discuss community resources (parks, churches, shopping, schools, emergency services, libraries, etc.)
      Provide exhibit identifying (parks, churches, shopping, schools, emergency services, libraries, etc.)
      Discuss impacts on travel patterns, accessibility, community facilities, and overall public safety
      Discuss social and cultural loss to the community by those displaced, if applicable
      Discuss impacts on economic vitality in project area and on established business districts
      Reference any consultation with community, city or county officials
      Discuss mitigation, minimization, or avoidance options that would minimize impacts
      Discuss cumulative and indirect impacts

 



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Relocation Impacts

      Identify number & type of relocations (residential, commercial, industrial, non-profit, etc.) for each alternative
      Discuss housing price ranges and owner/tenant status for those properties to be displaced
      Discuss available decent, safe and sanitary housing and commercial/industrial facilities based on current market data. Provide price ranges and owner/tenant status
      Discuss coordination with the MPO or other governmental agencies to identify any other proposed projects or activities that would compete for available comparable housing
      Explain Relocation Assistance Program (Last Resort Housing, if applicable), Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1966
      Include statement, if applicable, that the acquisition and relocation program will be conducted in accordance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970
      Include a table to summarize relocations for each alternative
      Discuss mitigation, minimization, or avoidance options that would minimize impacts
      Discuss cumulative and indirect impacts

 



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Farmland

     

Establish baseline conditions (identify farmland in project corridor)

      Discuss consultation with the Soil Conservation Service and, as appropriate, state and local agricultural agencies
      Discuss impacts to farmland
      Include NRCS LESA Form AD 1006
      Discuss feasible alternative to avoid farmland impacts if LESA score exceeds 160 points
      Discuss cumulative and indirect impacts
      Provide exhibit, which identifies prime farmland in the project corridor.
 

Environmental Justice

     

Establish baseline conditions

      Include statement that project complies with Executive Order 12898, Environmental Justice guidance
      Discuss race, color, and national origin of the area.
      Identify impacts to minority and/or low-income population. Do not show on map or exhibit
      Discuss avoidance, minimization and mitigation, if applicable
      Discuss cumulative and indirect impacts
      Provide Table showing impacts to minority and/or low-income populations for each alternative

 



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Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities

     

Establish baseline conditions (identify existing facilities and their use for recreation or transportation)

      Discuss opportunities for providing pedestrian and bicycle facilities
      Discuss cumulative and indirect impacts
 

UST/Hazardous Materials

      Establish baseline conditions (identify known and potential sites)
      Discuss coordination with resource agencies
      Identify sites recommended for Phase II site assessments and/or remediation
      Discuss KYTC process for remediation (if remediation is necessary)
      Include discussion of cost estimates for each site identified
      Include summary table of sites and identify associated alternative
      Include exhibit showing location of all sites
      Discuss cumulative and indirect impacts
 

Visual Impacts

     

Establish baseline conditions (existing view shed)

      Discuss impacts the selected alternative will have on the existing viewshed
      Discuss cumulative and indirect impacts

 



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Energy

     

Discuss cost/benefit analysis of reasonable alternatives (page 35 of TA)

 

Impacts of Construction Activities

     

Discuss potential adverse impacts (noise, traffic congestion, detours, etc.)

      Discuss sedimentation and erosion control plan as it relates to construction activities
     

Discuss waste and borrow sites

Refer to KYTC Standard Specs for Road and Bridge Construction

 

Mitigation Measures

     

Identify mitigation commitments for each viable alternative

 

The Relationship Between Local Short-term Uses of Mans Environment and Maintenance and Enhancement of Long Term Productivity

     

Explain that transportation improvements are based on state and/or local comprehensive planning, which consider(s) the need for present and future traffic requirements within the context of present and future land use development. (See G24 of the Technical Advisory T6640.8a)

 

Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources Which Would be Involved in the Proposed Action

     

Discuss the proposed actions irreversible and irretrievable commitment of resources. (See G25 of the Technical Advisory T6640.8a)

 



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List of Preparers

     

Include a list of state (and local agency) personnel, including consultants, who were primarily responsible for preparing the DEIS or performing environmental studies, and a brief summary of their qualifications, including educational background and experience.

      Include the FHWA personnel primarily responsible for preparation or review of the DEIS and their qualifications
 

Distribution

     

List of Agencies, organizations, and Persons to Whom Copies of the Statement are Sent

      Identify those entities that submitted comments on the document
 

Comments and Coordination

      Summary of correspondence (agencies and public)
      Discuss the early coordination process, including scoping
      Discuss meetings held with community groups (including minority and non-minority interests)
      Discuss Public Involvement activities
      Discuss the key issues and pertinent information received from the public and government agencies
      Include all concurrence letters received from government agencies
      Include a summary of all comments received from the above mentioned parties Include responses to comments received
      Discuss compliance with all applicable environmental laws, Executive Orders, and other related requirements

 



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Appendices

      Summarizes methodologies and results of technical analyses and research
      Include coordination and concurrence letters
 

Section 4(f)/Programmatic 4(f) and or 6(f) Discussion (if applicable)

     

Discuss publicly owned parks, recreation areas, or wildlife and waterfowl refuges, if applicable

      Discuss both actual use and proximity impacts on each cultural and/or historic resource for each alternative
      Discuss avoidance alternatives which avoid each and all sites
      Measures taken to minimize harm to the historic resource(s) and any required mitigation measures must also be discussed
      Discuss results of coordination efforts with jurisdictional parties over the 4(f) properties and with the National Parks Service for 6(f) properties
      Include MOU in appendices, if applicable
      Identify and discuss any 6(f) impacts associated with the project

 


Comments:

Discuss supplemental information, guidance or instructions that required deviation from the checklist. Discuss all categories which contain "NA" in the "Complete" columns of this format. Comments regarding the content and format of this form and/or its applicability may also be submitted through this section.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 


Commitments to be Implemented:

Identify any commitments that are documented within the study. Specify the nature of the commitment, to whom it was or should be made, when the commitment should be enacted upon, etc.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 


Mitigation and Special Issues:

Identify mitigation measures that are specified within the report, if any. Also, identify any special issues that are addressed within the document that should be considered by the Project Team as it makes decisions regarding the project.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 


SIGNATURE PAGE

I have reviewed the project documentation and attest that those responsible for its preparation are familiar with the requirements set forth in the checklist above and that proper management controls were in effect throughout the course of document development to assure that the document is complete, thorough and addresses all applicable checklist components.

   
Prime Consultant Date

 

Recommended for Approval By:

   
KYTC/DEA Environmental Project Manager/Reviewer Date

 

Team Review of Commitments

The findings of the report, including impacts to the project and project commitments, have been presented to the Project Team and will be considered during the development of this project.

   
KYTC/District Environmental Coordinator Date

   
Project Manager Date

 

 



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