Transcript AASHTO Center for Environmental Excellence

Center for
Environmental Excellence
by AASHTO
September 29, 2007
AASHTO Standing Committee on
Highways
PRACTITIONER HANDBOOKS
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Two Handbooks recently published:
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Defining the Purpose and Need and Determining the
Range of Alternatives for Transportation Projects
Implementing an Environmental Management System in
a State DOT
Three Handbooks developed this year:
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Considering Environmental Issues in Statewide and
Metropolitan Transportation Planning
Achieving Environmental Streamlining through the
SAFETEA-LU Environmental Review Process
Project Management
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
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Experts available to assist states with environmental
matters.
Hiring consultants in energy, global warming,
sustainability and GIS.
Technical experts implementing the Environmental
Management System Technical Assistance Program.
Applications for 2007-2008 EMS technical assistance
sent to the states in the spring.
Round table discussions on EMS development and
implementation at the annual meetings of SCOP,
SCOE, Design, Construction, Maintenance, and
Materials.
CONTEXT SENSITIVE SOLUTIONS
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The Center will conduct two CSS peer to
peer workshops to:
Share information and experiences on the
how incorporate CSS;
Collaboratively identify best practices that
are transferable;
Discuss innovative strategies, actions, tools
and technologies for advancing CSS
implementation;
Develop work plans for their state to
progress along the CSS continuum; and
Collaboratively identify areas for research.
CONTEXT SENSITIVE SOLUTIONS
The Center will develop a CSS training program for state
DOT executives. Training will discuss integrating CSS
into agencies as the way of doing business and how
CSS cans assist states with:
 Community acceptance;
 Environmental compatibility;
 Functionality;
 Financial feasibility;
 Timeliness of delivery;
 Sustainable decisions and investments; and
 Developing and implementing multi-modal projects.
TAKING THE HIGH ROAD REPORT
UPDATE
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Topics include:
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Transportation Enhancements
Historic Preservation and Cultural Resources, Including Tribal
Consultation
Recycling and Waste Management
Air Quality
Context-Sensitive Solutions
Brownfields Redevelopment Land Use
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Wetlands and Water Quality
Wildlife and Ecosystems
Noise Abatement
Scenic Byways
Vegetation Management
EMS
Energy
Sustainability
Partnerships
CENTER ADVISORY BOARD
Carlos Braceras, SCOH and Maintenance
Neil Pedersen, SCOH
Richard Land, Design
Bob Pieplow, Construction
Gary McVoy, Maintenance
CENTER FOCUS AREAS
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Improve Planning and Environmental Processes to Achieve Better Results and
Timeliness
Advance Awareness of SAFETEA-LU Environmental Provisions and Good
Practices
Advance Use of Technology, Geospatial Tools, and Decision Support Tools to
Support Integrated Decision Making
Integrate CSS Throughout all Aspects of Planning, Project Development,
Construction, Maintenance and Operations
Advance Environmental Review Process Innovation to Support Congestion Relief
and Public Private Partnerships
Promote Commitment Tracking Methods and Environmental Management
Systems
Advance and Showcase Exemplary Ecosystem and Human Environmental
Initiatives
Increase Availability and Access to Information-Sharing/Problem Solving
Activities
Build Partnerships to Leverage and Coordinate the Center’s Activities and Other
Related Research Efforts
Advance National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Cost Estimating and Project
Oversight Tools
COMMENTS/INFORMATION
Shannon Eggleston
[email protected]
(202) 624-3649
www.environment.transportation.org