1. 2013 Preconstruction Managers Meeting
Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
2013 Preconstruction Managers Meeting
Environmental
Ben White

2. Environmental Discussion
Updates to Alaska’s 6004 Program
Where are we on the Environmental Procedures Manual(s)
Changes in the way we process Historic Resources
Updates on the Storm Water BMP Manual
Changes as a result of MAP-21
Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect

3. 6004 Program Updates New MOU signed September 2012
Under the first 6004 MOU (September 2009 through September 2012)
Over 500 projects processed under 6004 program
Average of 180 projects processed per year in the prior two years
Over 80% of FHWA funded CEs
Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect

4. 6004 Program Data (9/1/2009 through 9/30/2012)
Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect

5. 6004 Program Data
During the first three years…review by the Statewide Environmental Office.
COA Form approval time has been 3.6 workdays
“c” list CE average review time has been 4.6 workdays
“d” list CE average review time has been 7.8 workdays

6. 6004 Program Accomplishments
Internal approval of Environmental Procedures Manual for 6004 Program
Section 106 regional delegation
Reduction of findings in FHWA program reviews
21 findings in 2010 / 2 findings in 2011 / 0 findings in 2012
Moved from “high risk” to “medium risk” program
Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect

7. Environmental Procedures Manual
SEO is now developing two separate manuals.
6004 Environmental Procedures Manual
FHWA Environmental Procedures Manual
Allows more specific procedures, reduces confusion.
First three chapters for 6004 Manual have been approved.
Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect

8. Environmental Procedures Manual
First three chapters – Overview Class of Action Categorical Exclusions Next chapters to roll out over the next couple of months…re-evaluations, Section 4(f)/6(f), public involvement, socioeconomic, noise.
Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect

9. Section 106 Process Changes
Historic Roads PA Interim Guidance
Formation of the Cultural Resources Team (CRT)
Modification of 2004 Interim Procedures
Under 6004, regional delegation of Section 106 responsibilities
Started drafting Section 106 Program PA
Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect

10. Standard Storm Water BMPs
Developing 40 construction BMP standards for contracts
Design Considerations
booklet to assist designer in selection
Contracts:
Specifications or Plans or both
Plan Sheets include notes on materials, installation, inspection maintenance, removal
SWPPP Guide
Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect

11. Standard Storm Water BMPs
Developing 3 maintenance BMP standards for staff guidance
Guidance for Staff on:
Ditch Maintenance
Snow Removal
Bridge Maintenance

12. Standard Storm Water BMPs
Proposed Schedule Sept. 2012: Contract signed Dec. 2012: First 3 BMPs Mar. 2013: 8 more BMPs Apr. 2013: 11 more BMPs Jun. 2013: 11 more BMPs Aug. 2013: 11 more BMPs Oct. 2013: Post all products on web
Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect

13. Changes in MAP-21
Any State can choose to assume specific CE designations in FHWA NEPA regulations
Environmental review process streamlining
FEIS and ROD combined in certain conditions
Allows for the use of planning products in the NEPA process
Deadlines for issue resolution, with penalties for agencies
Programmatic mitigation plans
Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect

14. Changes in MAP-21 cont.
Reduced statute of limitations on claims (150 days, not 180)
Expanded authority for categorical exclusions
Multi-modal projects
Projects to repair roads damaged in declared emergency
Projects within existing operational right-of-way
Projects receiving limited Federal assistance

15. Changes to CEs in MAP-21
New CE: Projects to repair roads damaged in declared emergency (Sec.1315)
New CE: Projects within existing operational right-of-way (Sec. 1316)
New CE: Projects receiving limited Federal assistance (Sec. 1317)
Survey use of CEs and solicit potential new CEs (Sec. 1318(a)-(b))
Re-designation of some (d) list CEs to (c) list (Sec. 1318(c))
Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect

16. Changes taking place this year, require effective communication.
Summary
Changes taking place this year, require effective communication.
6004 Program Oversight
Environmental Procedures Manual(s)
Section 106 Program PA
Storm Water BMP Manual
Regulation changes as a result of MAP-21
Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect

17. Questions?
Ben White Statewide Environmental Program Manager Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities 3132 Channel Drive, P.O. Box Juneau, Alaska Phone: (907) FAX: (907) Statewide Environmental Office Website:
Integrity ∙ Excellence ∙ Respect