State Environmental Review Process - FAQs
1. What is the SERP?
The State Environmental Review Process (SERP) is conducted by VDOT and provides other state resource agencies the opportunity to comment and supply environmental resource information on transportation projects at the earliest possible stage of development. The information the state resource agencies provide assists the Locality and VDOT in determining if the proposed project has significant environmental impacts. The process is intended to allow agency input early in project design so that avoidance or minimization efforts can be incorporated to lessen potential impacts to the environment.
Only VDOT can conduct SERP and the localities are responsible for completing the environmental commitments identified. Environmental commitments can include cultural resource surveys, Threatened and Endangered Species surveys, obtaining water quality permits, etc.
2. What is the law behind SERP?
The Code of Virginia §10.1-1188(A) requires state agencies submit an environmental impact report (EIR) on each major state project. §10.1-1188(B) of the Code directed the Secretary of Natural Resource and Transportation to establish procedures for review and comment on highway and road construction projects. SERP was developed as a result of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between those Secretariats.
3. What projects are submitted through SERP?
All projects using VDOT funds are required to go through SERP. These could include monies for construction, maintenance replacement or improvement, Revenue Sharing, Industrial Access, Recreational Access, Rail Access, and Airport Access. SERP also applies to all federally funded projects, as there is a state match involved.
4. How does SERP work?
SERP is initiated when the Locality submits a Project Early Notification form (EQ-429) to their VDOT Project Coordinator. That contact will submit the form to the appropriate VDOT District Environmental Manager. A USGS topographic map illustrating the project location (including start and end points) must be included with the form. Once completed, VDOT submits the EQ-429 to various state agencies. Each agency studies the information and researches potential impacts to resources under their jurisdiction. The agency representatives provide this information and any database results back to VDOT who compiles a summary report of the data into a Preliminary Environmental Inventory form (PEI) and resubmits that information to the agencies for final review and comment. Once the agencies have responded to the PEI, this information is provided to the Locality and appropriate VDOT Divisions for use in planning and designing the project. The early input by the state resource agencies allows for avoidance and minimization efforts in project design to lessen potential impacts to the environment.The PEI is a preliminary step in gathering environmental information. The locality is responsible for any necessary coordination with state and federal agencies for studies, permits, etc. The PEI is not a substitute for studies and the agency coordination necessary to identify specific project impacts to the environment.
5. Who performs SERP?
The SERP applies specifically to VDOT funded projects and therefore only VDOT Environmental staff can perform the process. However, the locality is responsible for any environmental commitments (surveys, agency coordination, etc.) identified in the SERP PEI.
6. When is SERP initiated?
The SERP is initiated as soon as funding is authorized and prior to any ground disturbance, substantial location or design work.
7. How long does SERP take?
Generally, 60 to 90 days.
8. What information does SERP provide?
The EQ-429 and U.S.G.S. topographic map are sent to the IECC representatives, providing them with information about the scope of the project. The state agencies are concerned with a variety of impacts which include, but are not limited to: water quality permitting, wetland impacts, effects on historic properties or archaeological sites, impact to parks and recreation areas, endangered species, and hazardous waste issues.
The database information and comments provided by the resource agencies provide VDOT with information about environmentally sensitive areas that is shared with the localities. The database information and comments should serve as the basis for procuring professional environmental consultant services to conduct the technical studies.
9. What do you do with the results of the SERP?
Once the PEI has been distributed to the IECC members, the VDOT District Environmental Manager will prepare a memorandum indicating the SERP commitments and any other outstanding issues remaining on the project that must be addressed prior to construction. Outstanding environmental issues or commitments may include but are not limited to: cultural resource surveys, coordinating and obtaining water quality permits and associated conditions, hazardous materials testing, threatened and endangered species surveys or environmental documents that have not been completed. The memorandum and PEI are sent to the Locality. This information then serves as the basis for procuring the appropriate professional environmental consultant services to conduct the technical studies. However, the PEI is not a substitute for studies and agency coordination necessary to identify specific project impacts to the environment.
10. Are all environmental requirements included in SERP?
No. Projects utilizing federal-aid funds have additional environmental requirements that are not covered by the SERP. These requirements can involve but are not limited to: noise impacts and analysis, Executive Orders, Section 4 (f) Evaluations and NEPA documents.
