Impact Methodologies

Environmental - Operating

Overview

Operating environmental impacts result from the operation of transportation vehicles. Operating impacts may include:

• Emissions by pollutant type;

• Air quality, including exposure to unhealthful pollutants, which is related to emissions;

• Exposure to noise levels; and

• Energy consumption.

Key factors determining environmental impacts include:

• Transportation system performance parameters, such as VMT, speeds, and acceleration by vehicle type;

• The geographic location of vehicle activity (important for air quality and noise impacts); and

• Vehicle technology, including fuel efficiency, fuel type, emission controls, etc.