Environmental Requirements for State Funded Transportation Projects
If your project is funded with any VDOT (state) monies, the State Environmental Review Process is required which VDOT District Environmental staff performs. EQ-429 must be completed by the locality and forwarded to VDOT. The process results in the distribution of a Preliminary Environmental Inventory (PEI) for the project, which will indicate what environmental resources, were identified in the project area and what environmental commitments must be carried out prior to earth disturbing activity. The locality is responsible for complying with all applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and Executive Orders.
The locality should review the SERP PEI to determine what environmental studies or coordination with state or federal agencies is necessary to obtain environmental clearances needed to proceed to construction. ThePEI column entitled “Resource Information” indicates the environmental analysis that must be conducted and which agencies must review and comment on the findings. These analyses may include but are not limited to historic resource surveys, hazardous materials assessments, threatened and endangered species surveys, and water quality permits.
Once you have obtained all required environmental clearances from resource agencies, you must forward all technical studies, analyses, and agency coordination letters to your VDOT Project Coordinator. This would include but not be limited to correspondence from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, US Army Corps of Engineers.
No ground disturbing work may occur before the SERP is completed and all environmental clearances have been obtained; if this happens, VDOT financial participation in your project will be jeopardized.
Forms:
- Project Early Notification (EQ-429)
- Water Quality Permits and Natural Resource Due Diligence Certification form (EQ-555)
- Hazardous Materials Due Diligence Certification form (EQ-121)
Guidance:
- Historic Resources (under construction)
- SERP Preliminary Environmental Inventory (example of a PEI)
- Environmental Certification/Commitment Checklist (EQ-103)
VDOT Environmental Manager Contacts
