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Commitments resulting from the environmental clearance document are intended to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to environmental resources. These commitments vary in scope and may be derived from federal environmental
Synthesis on standard and nonstandard mitigation in Section 106 agreements. Survey of cultural resource mitigation in Programmatic Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding. What works/what doesn’t work and why. (Developed in
Working to complete will update
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Environmental Process Subcommittee. There is growing frustration with the results of current state, regional, and local transportation and community
The environmental and community consequences of changes in freight movement patterns in the US may be significant, but are currently unknown. Strategies are needed in response to emerging freight movement
Develop case studies of successful approaches for combining NEPA and MPO planning. TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009) – Related research: Highways and Environment: Transportation Agencies Are Acting to Involve Others
Assessment of DOTs’ environmental commitment tracking systems TERI Administrator Note (June 2007): Research Completed AASHTO Practitioner Guide: Tracking Compliance with Environmental Commitments/Use of Environmental Monitors (2006) https://environment.transportation.org/center/products_programs/practitioners_handbooks.aspx#tracking This handbook provides
Identify and analyze methods for retrofitting highways with measures to reduce impacts to wildlife. TERI Administrator Note (June 2007): Research Completed (See Below) NCHRP – Evaluation of the Use and
Although crashing into a large animal with a motorized vehicle may involve damage, human injury, or death (Conover et al. 1995; Romin and Bissonette 1996), roadkills overall appear to be
TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009) – Relevant Research: Financing Transportation Through the Capture of Land Value Gains: Practical Integration and Stakeholder Involvement, Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota (Scheduled
Since the passage of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) in 2005, the Federal Highway Administration has continued to encourage a more integrated
This research would identify best practices for early identification of environmental mitigation requirements and the cost of implementing such mitigation. TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009) – Research Completed under NCHRP
Problem Statement: Many DOTs are being required to conduct surveys for bat as a part of ecological impact studies or biological assessments for endangered species. Positive identification of some endangered
TERI Administrator Note (March 2008) Research Completed: HIGHWAY MEDIAN IMPACTS ON WILDLIFE MOVEMENT AND MORTALITY – State of the Practice Survey and Gap Analysis, CalTrans, 2006 http://www.dot.ca.gov/newtech/researchreports/reports/2006/median_barrier_final_report.pdf Problem Statement: Along
Problem Statement: In transportation programs, there is a need to address situations that may affect salmon and their habitats under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Culverts can block upstream passage
Problem Statement: Over the last decade natural resource agencies and transportation agencies have become increasingly aware of the effects that highway and railroad systems have on wildlife and fisheries. The
Problem Statement: To maintain the highway infrastructure, right-of-way and their functions, many operations including snow and ice control, paving/patching, surface sealing, traffic marking and vegetation management may use chemical
Highway safety often focuses on stationary barriers. Environmental quality can be enhanced through ‘green’ guardrails and use of natural grasses and wildflowers in place of mowing.
Problem Statement: Currently there is no basic methodology to predict soil loss or recommend erosion and sediment control measures specifically for highway projects. Lack of a methodology impairs the ability
Problem Statement: When a gravel or native-surfaced road is paved, we do not know the effects of increased offsite soil erosion due to increase surface runoff. Proposed Research: It
TERI Database Administrator Notes. Not recommended at present time by 2009 Natural Systems Subcommittee. Problem Statement: State DOTs are increasingly involved in making decisions regarding the reuse of wastes and
Organizational Requirements (Structures, Relationships, Staffing) to Better Reflect CSS Needs
The design of local roads, including issues of width and the question of planting trees in medians, is often made based on a widely held, but not always proven, belief
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Subcommittee on Cultural Resources.
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Subcommittee on Cultural Resources. Posted by TERI Administrator 6/12/07: Comment: The concept of examining the integration of Value Engineering
TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Research is Underway Context Sensitive Solutions: Quantification of the Benefits in Transportation (NCHRP 15-32) http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=412 Project is due to be completed 5/31/09. As more organizations
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Subcommittee on Cultural Resources.
TERI Administrator Note (June 2007): Related Research Performance Measures for Context Sensitive Solutions – A Guidebook for State DOTs, Web Document 69 http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_w69.pdf
Since the mid 1990s, the concept of watershed evaluation and assessment has come to the forefront of land use planning and related decision making. Faced by these issues, the DOTs
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Environmental Process Subcommittee. Funded as NCHRP 25-25 54 “Evaluate Colorado’s Area-wide Cumulative Effects Assessment (ACEA) Methodology as a Mechanism
Treat sections of those roadways with a limited set of commercially viable dust pallatives and/or surfacing materials.
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Related research – AASHTO Practitioner’s Handbook 09: Using the SAFETEA-LU Environmental Review Process (23 U.S.C. Section 139) (2008). SAFETEA-LU places an expanded emphasis on public and
2. Review "smart growth" literature and intitiatives in ten (10) case studies across America. 4. Predict and discuss what could happen to places that have little state of planning and
The study would evaluate the effectiveness of current practices in road design, construction, maintenance and closure.
Recent study findings where tire shreds were used for lightweight fill in road base construction in a wetland suggest that wrapping the tire shreds with a geotextile fabric could trap
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Air Quality Subcommittee. Background: Highway and rail projects inevitably affect property values. Increased accessibility will increase the number of
Roadway access management has been shown to be highly effective in terms of improving both traffic safety and traffic flow. Crash rate reductions of between 40 and 50 percent are
TERI Administrator Note (Added April 2008) – Related Research: NCHRP 25-25/Task 21: Assessment of Geophysical Remote Sensing Opportunities at State Departments of Transportation for Incorporation into Archaeological Investigations (Completed 2006)
Problem Statement A potentially major barrier to sharing data in environmental and related management systems is intellectual property rights, including copyrights, licensing, and terms of use. Although state Departments of
Problem Statement The current practice for mitigating environmental impacts of transportation projects is to mitigate only specific impacts on specific resources without consideration of which produces the best environmental result.
Right-of-way vegetation management is a major responsibility of the State DOTs. Traditionally, roadside vegetation was managed for a variety of purposes important to the public, such as safety, roadway integrity,
Purpose of research is to determine the potential effect to buried archaeological deposits from the construction and subsequent operation of transportation facilities. Because the typical method of archaeological mitigation (data
By law, Departments of Transportation are required to control noxious weeds along highway rights-of-way (ROWs). Beginning 2000, District 4 (D4) of Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) adopted a survey design
The management of invasive species is ineffective when the means of dissemination are unknown. Construction vehicles are likely vectors for the spread of invasive plant species. The use of construction
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Natural Systems Subcommittee. The copperbelly water snake (Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta), which is federally listed as threatened, occurs in the
Traditionally, state and local governments install the smallest structure necessary to pass a certain measurable flow as required by local, state and federal rules. Structures that are sized to bankfull-width
Train-wildlife collisions are devastating to wildlife populations, and disproportionately so, to species such as moose, grizzly bear, wolverine, and wide-ranging carnivores in general, which have low reproductive rates. Habitat fragmentation
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Air Quality Subcommittee. With so many new areas likely to be designated nonattainment under EPA’s revised 8-hour ozone standard,
Investigate the potential benefits of converting traditional cross intersections to modern roundbouts.
About half of all trips taken in the US are 3 miles or less. Walking and bicycling could be an adequate alternative to driving for many of these trips. The
Brief background of issue and its importance: Development projects, conflicts, and disasters can cause displacements of persons or communities. It is anticipated that with global climate change the number of
Problem: An emerging public policy issue that will likely have significant and potentially far-reaching impacts is the growing interest in and use of renewable and bio-fuels. The goal of reducing U.S.
The size of DNL 65 dB noise contours around the nation’s airports has diminished steadily for the past three decades; and now most noise complaints come from persons residing outside
The design and installation of road stream crossings to accommodate fish and aquatic live passage is becoming a priority for state and federal regulatory agencies. State and municipal project designers
The research will examines the links between where people live and how that affects their access to employment, transport and a range of services; and considers the implications of housing
States are increasingly facing the spectre of funding transportation projects with little or no federal transportation capital. NEPA compliance is required when federal funds are utilized, or when a permit,
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Environmental Process Subcommittee. Over the past 35-40 years, Travel Demand Management (TDM) strategies have been implemented to address a
Background: Many people have speculated on the impact of transportation on visitor experience on public lands, but rigorous research has not yet addressed the question. Ridership surveys at individual national
Problem Statement – Transportation investments produce different benefits for different members of the public. Decision makers often need to know how these benefits may be distributed, especially on traditionally underserved
This research would focus on defining sustainable transport including understanding how to evaluate transportation options across all issues of sustainability including economic, environmental and equity. A synthesis of current practice
The goal of this study is to make a solid case for public support for fuel cell vehicles and the needed fueling infrastructure. The objective is to develop a collective
Use the NC Conservation Planning Tool to identify and prioritize potential impacts of road construction projects on fragmentation of wildlife habitats and ecological systems. Use this system to target priorities
The United States Congress in 1991 designated certain highway corridors of national significance to be included in the National Highway System under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). Corridor
Considering the temporary nesting patterns of both migratory and resident birds such as a nesting Eagle or local bat populations, the net effect to a construction project in the immediate
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Air Quality Subcommittee. While much effort is being expended on the impacts of climate change on critical state and
Refine and develop technology for converting woody biomass to ehtanol. Evaluate and develop potential for substitution of ethanol for petroleum fuels. Study and develop sustainable supplies of woody biomass from
Environmental conflicts encountered in transportation related projects are too often discovered well into the planning process when funds are identified and committed and preliminary engineering work is underway. At this
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Subcommittee on Cultural Resources. Conduct research to determine the subsurface disturbance resulting from the placement of fill (temporary and
In evaluating bridges, road corridors and buildings for National Register significance, a frequent problem arises regarding the concept of local significance. In the early days of the historic preservation movement,
Idea 1. ARRA projects are being delivered in substantially lesser time frames than traditionally funded projects. How and what was done to make this happen? Capturing these activities will assist
What are the sustainability indicators for systems architecture, to measure ecology, economy, efficiency, equity? What are the baselines and how can we improve performance measures?
TERI Administrator Note: Selected as NCHRP 25-25 (70) Screening level procedures for quantitative mobile source air toxics (MSATs) analyses for transportation projects are needed to provide state and other transportation agencies
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Air Quality Subcommittee. This goal of the research would be to uncover potential benefits of addressing climate change (green-house
Run cars and trucks containing crash dummies off simulated highways into tall native herbaceous vegetation within the clear zone, masses of native shrubs within the clear zone and into low
a) Extend what is known about masking effectiveness of traffic noise on the vocalizations of birds by conducting behavioral tests with a wider range of individual and species. It should
How are (or will) strategies for climate change take into account cultural considerations, especially with respect to environmental justice populations and historic values/historic preservation, on transportation projects?
How can models and methodologies be improved with respect to sensitivity to mitigation strategies such as land use and pricing; greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; how to quantify GHGs/carbon, and approaches
How can we facilitate wildlife movement vis-a-vis transportation networks and transportation planning in the face of climate change?
How will we address uncertainty related to climate change impacts (esp cumulative impacts) in environmental impact analysis, planning, policy, etc.?
How can energy and environmental modeling be linked to support decisionmaking aimed at energy efficiency for different scales, state plans, MPO plans, and project alternative analysis?
What strategies including incentives and reducing VMT could be explored to build local economies (goods/services) to reduce VMT, increase livability measures and minimize energy use?
What messages on climate change and energy are most effective with what audiences: decision-makers, transportation practitioners, system users? How can we communicate effects, provide options/incentives, policies (i.e., pricing)?
How can we address livability in NEPA and other cross-cutting legislation?
How can we integrate and strengthen the relationship between land use and transportation planning?
How do we define livability and what are the best metrics for measuring it? Are there different implications for land use and transportation planning at the local level and what
Do we need to change old assumptions in our travel forecast models to account for rising gas prices (VMTs), economic variability, generational perspectives, and personal behaviors?
How can transportation sustainability be balanced with affordability?
Cost of this vs. ditch and basin treatments, maintenance.
Select several of these small bridges that are being let and re-design, install and monitor the discharge from the standard skimmer basin (x2) vs. a solid dam with a weir
Research should include an analysis of current sodium chloride concentrations existing in reservoirs which support a water supply for the general public. Impact of runoff to these reservoirs and the
More than 25 amphibians and reptiles are listed as threatened or endangered in California. Highways pose movement barriers for many these species. As California’s human population increases and climate changes
In NJ, the NJDOT Office of Maritime Resources is funding, modeling and investigating opportunities where we can use low-flow/riverine tidal turbine technology to power not only marine transportation facilities, but
Development of a biofuels industry to meet the Federal mandates for 36 billion gallons of biofuels by the year 2022 will translate into greater harvest of biomass for energy purposes
Analyze the accuracy of traffic forecasting over time, data that was used in environmental analysis/studies. For example, a 1980 traffic study for a particular project looked at the traffic numbers
What would be the more effective landscape-scale water quality solution given limited financial resources; a relatively small aerial coverage with high efficiency BMPs (e.g. large ponds and sand filters) or
The compost blanket is a low impact development (LID) approach to flow control. Compost blankets could be used for stormwater hydraulic detention Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce the size requirements
For small projects (paving projects), or even highway.
This would build on the existing work at SECREF and expand to include the full array of turbidity control systems (passive, infiltration, active). New systems, which are being developed and
Sensitivity models that will allow for cost effective scoping and identification efforts that also reduce the potential for costly late discovery of archaeological sites To date sensitivity modeling for buried
Develop a comprehensive certification program consisting of online and in class sessions. The program will utilize current research, sustainability tools and case study examples to enable transportation professionals to apply
Recent studies are showing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) is one of the greatest problems faced today. To reduce GHG is extremely complex and difficult since its production is so broad and intrinsic.
Need for the Research Stormwater runoff from transportation Rights-of-Way (ROW) may contain nutrients (particularly phosphorus and nitrogen) and may contain pathogens (though it is unclear if DOTs are a source that would
This project would look at the use of permeable pavements along shoulders. It would primarily look at the suitability of such pavements from a design, constructability, maintenance, and longevity standpoint. However, it would
New construction and replaced impervious surfaces will trigger the new LID standard in the future. In implementing the new LID standard, DOTs need a factual basis to assess the feasibility of applying
Need for the Research Highways can contribute to hydrologic changes with subsequent degradation of streams. Permits and regulations are beginning to require management of stormwater to minimize adverse hydromodification. Traditional methods of stormwater
Need for the Research Highways can contribute to hydrologic changes with subsequent degradation of streams. Permits and regulations are beginning to require management of stormwater to minimize adverse hydromodification, but there are no
TERI Administrator Note: Selected as FY12 NCHRP Project 25-40; estimated completion is April 2014 Background As the surface transportation systems of the nation expand and transportation agencies continue to meet the
Given that many states are moving forward with climate adaption plans or state regulations that require transportation plans to include climate change strategies a look at conformity/air quality implications from
The project would generally involve a panel of state DOTs and EPA with a mandate to develop sample project-level studies (modeling and documentation) for particulate (and carbon monoxide and NO2
NESHAP applies to demolition and “renovation” (modification); requires prior inspection for presence of asbestos and remediation prior to demolition/renovation if possible; what’s the best way and time/place to do that? Is it necessary
EPA’s 1-hour NO2 standard is low enough to potentially cause problems, and they require near-road monitoring to determine attainment. What are the best methods for modeling roadway and rail (non-electric) NO2 microscale impacts?
If a project has known lead-contaminated soils, what are the best management practices for construction and maintenance activities in those areas for purposes of both worker safety and protection of nearby areas?
With the use of FaceBook and Twitter, and the internet in general, the public has the ability to organize, share information (both accurate and inaccurate) quickly and with an incredibly
Nationally we have raised awareness and action to address ecological impacts of roads upon wildlife, particularly means to avoid and reduce wildlife-vehicular collisions. This is done by identifying and protecting/avoiding intact
Many wildlife underpasses are noisy and frighten animals away. Research needs to be done to find a way to make thes structures (bridges, box culvers, steel arch culverts, conspan arches,
Scope: Quality preservation and maintenance of historic roadside structures within highway right of way is a challenge within the established low bid requirements of state agencies. As historic preservation generally
Recent toxicity data obtained through studies conducted by the State of Iowa and EPA Region 5 in 2009 showed that chloride was less toxic to aquatic organisms when accounting for
The requirements outlined in TMDL reports and drafts are applied broadly to a number of land uses and are often based on assumptions. Quite often, the impacts related to transportation
Examine performance indicators that measure timely human access more directly. How can transportation systems be easily evaluated in terms of measures of human quality of life – community livability, increasing commerce
When applying MOVES (MOtor Vehicle Emission Simulator) in project-level PM (particulate matter) conformity analysis, link-based traffic characteristics are required at local on-road level so as to ensure realistically representation of
Scope: Determine which utility/transportation projects are compatible from a construction and maintenance standpoint. Develop planning, design, and construction techniques to facilitate the joint projects
Zinc is an important targeted constituent for Departments of Transportation (DOTs). The average concentration in highway runoff exceeds water quality objectives. For individual storms, the measured concentrations of total zinc in highway discharge
Lead tire weights used to balance wheels may be a substantial source of lead in the highway environment. These weights are sometimes released from wheels and then abraded by traffic,releasing lead into
The objective of this study is to determine the optimum timing and application rates of various deicing materials. A variety of standard tests can be conducted to determine the effectiveness of various chemicals, including:
EPA has reported recently that the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution entering our waters has escalated dramatically over the last 50 years, and that this trend will continue with US population
Scope: Information from the Every Day Counts (EDC) project indicates that there is currently not enough information about re-cycles asphalt to determine how it fits into the program long term. A
Problem Mitigation for the adverse effects to historic properties under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act often entails an “economic” exercise of trying to estimate the value of the historic property
Scope: Develop an integrated asset management plan for utilities and right of way. Develop guidelines for concurrent construction and maintenance activities; develop guidelines for cost sharing of degradation of pavement life;
Objective would be to investigate various methods of mitigating noise from joints on overpasses. Look for practical methods that are both cost effective and easy to install/maintain. These methods can
Background: Construction activities can produce fugitive dust and exhaust emissions of criteria pollutants from heavy duty construction equipment. The AASHTO Air Quality Community of Practice issued State of the Practice
The study would evaluate the Illinois Department of Transportation’s sustainability initiatives from a geographic perspective and identify gaps, statewide gaps in sustainability. The study would work in tandem with the
With the 2012 listing of the Atlantic Shortnose Sturgeon to the threatened and endangered species list the Virginia Department of Transportation has had to produce two noise analyses for a
Transportation agencies across the nation are charged with operating and maintaining stormwater infrastructure associated with roadways to ensure runoff is efficiently removed from impervious surfaces and discharged to nearby waterbodies
Post Construction Best Management Practices (BMPs) are required by DOT NPDES Permits and applicable Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) to reduce pollutant loadings that are discharged into receiving waters from
State, county, and other departments of transportation are increasingly subjected to water quality requirements specifying reduction of stormwater flows and their associated pollutants from new and existing roads. Most water
Many DOTs across the country apply salt (estimated at 22 million tons annually in the US) during the winter to lower the freezing point and accelerating the melting process. Unfortunately,
Most stormwater work focuses on how to manage stormwater generated off of impervious roadways. However, getting people to switch from driving alone to taking the bus takes cars off the
Anecdotally, many lower-income households rely on public transit for transport. How does public transit access to community colleges and 2-year colleges impact a person’s ability to get to college, and
In the absence of national or state best practices and recommended design guidance, the objectives of this research, include: • Document current and emerging regional and nation-wide best practices, case
Nationwide tracking of Section 106/NEPA commitments. Finding lost commitments. Inventory and access, tracking commitments, manage workflow. Issues with MOAs, expiration dates. Immediate time frame, making sure inspectors can find the
What are the best practices for succession and workforce planning in other to retain intuitional knowledge to ensure continuity in treatment of cultural resources for transportation projects. Workforce planning project
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