Summary: | This course addresses the NEPA/environmental analysis portion of the new Project Delivery Process that fully integrates transportation planning with the project development/delivery processes. This course discusses the essential elements of NEPA including: Purpose and Need, Alternatives, Impacts, Mitigation, Public Involvement, Interagency Coordination, and Documentation. Transition from planning to NEPA will be discussed along with the history of NEPA and the importance of a solid purpose and need statement. The course will discuss the process of developing alternatives and assessing impacts and mitigation for all NEPA processing options – Categorical Exclusions, Environmental Assessments, and Environmental Impact Statements. The Act 120 requirements will be discussed as well. Principles of quality environmental documentation and the importance of a solid administrative record will be explained.
|
Learning Outcomes: | The course will help you achieve the following:
•List and explain the essential elements of NEPA
•Discuss how information compiled in planning on the level 2 LPN screening form can be used during the NEPA process
•Select the most appropriate NEPA Class of Action for a project
•Explain the roles and responsibilities of PennDOT and the PA FHWA Division Office in the NEPA process
•Describe the documentation requirements of the NEPA process
•Explain what should be considered when preparing a quality environmental document
|
Teaching Method: | Instructor Led
|
Target Audience: | Environmental staff, engineers, administrative and others, both within and external to PennDOT, who are responsible for NEPA or PA Act 120 environmental documentation and analysis, prelimary engineering and final NEPA decisions.
|
|
|
Final Exam: | Yes |
 | |