 Telephone: 703-455-7413
E-Mail: j.shrouds@verizon.net
Years of experience in current field: 39
Position/Title: Independent Consultant
EDUCATION: University of Delaware, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, 1961-1966; University of Maryland, Graduate Study in Environmental Engineering, 1975-1976
EXPERTISE: Air Quality Conformity/Air Toxics
RELATED TOPICS/EXPERIENCES: Mr. Shrouds is currently an independent consultant. He recently assisted AASHTO in the review of, and recommended modifications to, their new Air Quality web site. He is also providing Senior Advisory services to Cambridge Systematics, Inc. on Transportation/Environmental issues and studies. Prior to becoming a consultant, Mr. Shrouds worked on transportation and environmental issues for 39 years with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in various engineering, planning, and environmental positions. As the Director of the Office of Natural and Human Environment for FHWA between February 1995 and April 2005, he was responsible for the development and coordination of national policies for a wide range of environmental issues relating to the Federal-aid highway program, including air quality, highway traffic noise, water quality, wetlands, bicycle/pedestrian facilities, brownfields, transportation enhancements, etc. He worked extensively with EPA and other Federal agencies and directed FHWA staff efforts in the development of transportation conformity regulations and toxics guidance materials, as well as guidance on wetlands and water quality. In addition, he administered and directed an extensive environmental research program, often in collaboration with Federal Resource agencies.
From October 1983 to February 1995 Mr. Shrouds served as FHWA’s Noise and Air Quality Branch Chief. During this assignment he directed a multidisciplinary staff in the development of FHWA's nationwide air quality and noise programs, including the development of new legislative initiatives, national policies, and technical guidance for analyzing and mitigating air quality and highway noise impacts. He directed the evaluation of environmental impact statements, Section 4(f) Statements, Section 106 reviews, and other highway location and design projects with regard to air quality and noise impacts and possible mitigation measures. He maintained top-level contacts with other Federal, State, and local agencies, and with Congressional contacts.
From April 1980 to October 1983 he served as FHWA’s Deputy Branch Chief for the Community and Environmental Planning Branch. During this assignment he served as an authority on the urban transportation planning process and on environmental considerations as they related to urban planning. He provided technical assistance, policy guidance, and advisory service at all stages of the development of urban transportation plans and programs and assured that social, economic, and environmental effects were adequately considered and integrated into the urban planning process. He had oversight responsibility for the resolution of controversial urban projects as they related to urban planning. This involved the review of EIS’s to ensure that proper consideration had been given to urban impacts, public transportation facilities, mitigation strategies, etc. He served on a Priority Review Task Force to evaluate environmental recommendations and preparing recommendations for streamlining the regulations.
From October 1976 to April 1980 he served as FHWA’s Staff Specialist for Environment in their Minnesota Division Office. He was responsible for reviewing all EIS’s, Section 4(f) Statements, and 106 reports in MN. He analyzed, interpreted, and developed FHWA Division Office polices and procedures to implement environmental legislation and regulations affecting highway programs and projects. He coordinated extensively with other Federal agencies, such as the COE, FWS, EPA and Coast Guard, as well as with MNDOT and other State and local agencies on transportation and environmental issues for all Federal-aid projects in MN.
From February 1966 to October 1976 Mr. Shrouds served as a Highway Engineer in FHWA and was assigned to various engineering and environmental assignments which included working with State counterparts on the design, construction, maintenance, and environmental aspects of Federal-aid highway projects.
Recent Projects, Publications and Accomplishments Include:
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Provided briefings and technical assistance to Senate Environment and Public Works, and House Transportation and Infrastructure staffs on various environmental provisions during reauthorization efforts leading to the new SAFETEA-LU legislation (2004-2005).
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Co-Chaired a Multi-Modal U.S. DOT Task Force to develop the Environmental provisions for the Administration’s SAFETEA reauthorization efforts, including proposed revisions to the conformity legislative requirements (2001-2003).
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Served as FHWA’s lead negotiator with State DOTs, MPOs, FHWA, FTA, EPA and local air quality officals to resolve controversial air quality conformity issues in such areas as Atlanta, GA; Houston and Dallas, TX; Washington, D.C.; New York City, NY; and various areas in California, (1990-2005).
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Directed the development of FHWA guidance for addressing controversial air quality toxics issues for US-95 in Las Vegas, NV; I-70 East Corridor in Denver, CO; Intercounty Connector in MD; and the Detroit Intermodal Freight Terminal, MI (2003-2005).
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Served on an advisory panel in 1997 to advise EPA on implementation strategies for meeting the new national ambient air quality standards.
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Assigned to the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission in 1994, the metropolitan planning organization for the Philadelphia region, for a period of 3 months to provide them with technical assistance in the implementation of the Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) and ISTEA provisions, and subsequent implementing regulations.
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Assigned to the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation in 1990 for 6 months to assist the U.S. Congress in integrating transportation-related provisions, including new conformity provisions, into the CAAA of 1990.
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