map-21 and the new ce process october 7, 201 5 ralph ellis - adot environmental planning
TRANSCRIPT
MAP-21 and the New CE Process
October 7, 201 5
Ralph Ellis- ADOT Environmental Planning
MAP-21 and Categorical Exclusions
• MAP-21: “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century”
• Signed into law July 6, 2012• Included changes to Categorical Exclusions
(CEs)
• Federal rulemaking processo This process to modify regulations took 28
months
• New FHWA-ADOT Programmatic Agreement
o This process to modify regulations took 8 months
• MAP-21 changes to Categorical Exclusions as defined in 23 CFR 771.117;
– (a) Definition of CEs – No Changes– (b) Unusual Circumstances of CEs – No Changes– (c) “c-list” actions – 1 Modified, 6 New, 3 CEs
added from the d-list– (d) “d-list” actions – 3 CEs moved to c-list, 1 new
CE added– (g) Allows State DOTs to enter into agreements
with FHWA for State approval of CEs
MAP-21 Changes
New CE Process
• New FHWA-ADOT Programmatic Categorical Exclusion Agreement (PCE):
• The new ‘PCE’ Agreement replaced the old 2008 Agreement
• Expanded ADOT approval authority for CEs• New terminology
• “ADOT Approved CE” – replace “programmatic CE”• “FHWA Approved CE” – replaces “non-programmatic
CE”• Group One and Group Two will no longer be used • This better aligns the terminology with that used in 23 CFR 771.117
New CE Process
• New CE Checklist • Replaces CCM and old Checklist for processing most “c-
list” or “d-list” CEs• Streamlined documentation; no repeating of the
technical analysis from technical reports put in the CE – reliance on Project Files• Same level of compliance with the “other laws”
New CE Process
• Individual CE(the now “old Checklist”)• For certain “d-list” CEs projects consistent with
paragraph (d) but not specifically listed • Long-form CE is the now “old Checklist” renamed• Will be used for only a small minority of CEs• Examples: Certain capacity improvements (additional
travel lane and/or a new TI or TI improvements)– This will not be used on many LPA projects
New CE Process
• Approval of Categorical Exclusions (CEs)
– ADOT Approved CE • ADOT approval (no further FHWA action)• CE Checklist with no threshold criteria exceeded• c-list and d-list CEs
– FHWA Approved CE (signed by Area Engineer)• CE Checklist with any threshold criteria exceeded• c-list and d-list CEs• All Individual CEs
Level of NEPA Approval
Approval Authority
CE Classification NEPA Documentation
Threshold of project impact
Categorical Exclusion
(CE)
Programmatic
(ADOT Approved)
Group 1 Clearance Memo No Impacts
Group 2 Condensed Clearance Memo
Minor Ground Disturbance
Group 2 CE Checklist Ground Disturbance
Non-Programmatic
(FHWA Approved)
Group 2 Condensed Clearance Memo
Minor Ground Disturbance
Group 2 CE Checklist Ground Disturbance
Old Process
Numerous Document Types
New CE Process
Level of NEPA Approval
Approval Authority
CE Classification NEPA Documentation
Threshold of project impact
Categorical Exclusion
(CE)
ADOT
Approved
c-list or d-list
CE Checklist Below Checklist thresholds
FHWA Approved
c-list or d-list CE Checklist Exceed any Checklist thresholds
d-list Individual CE (long form)
Not listed example
NewProcess
Fewer Document Types
New CE Process
New CE Process
• Other changes
– Streamline Environmental Commitments (in progress)• Rely on Standard Specifications to eliminate duplication • Provide customer (Contracts and Specs) only what they
need for the contracts – Does not include the CE itself
– Environmental Clearance• Distributed by EPG Planner, not the Group Manager• Does not include the CE itself (only information for C&S)
New CE Process
• Other changes
– Developed a new Quality Assurance/Quality Control Plan developed from Process Review (Heather Franek)• Improve communication and coordination of project team
members• Help manage the Critical Path (“other laws”)
– Improve ADOT Environmental Planning Website• New CE Process Information • Reorganize and reduce volume of information (redundancy)
Thank You
New CE Process