An environmental document ensures that the project has been reviewed for potential impacts to the natural, cultural, historic, and human environment.
Local Government Agencies (LGAs) are responsible for undertaking environmental review in accordance with NCDOT and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) policies/procedures, obtaining appropriate clearances or approvals, and submitting documentation to NCDOT for final review, approval, and signatures.
The environmental document is addressed as part of NCDOT's Project Delivery Network (PDN) process, which is addressed further in the Design/Plans chapter.
It is highly recommended that LGAs use firms that have been prequalified by NCDOT for the preparation of environmental documentation. A database of prequalified consultants is maintained by NCDOT. Using a prequalified consultant can result in better document preparation, which allows for more efficient review and approval times.
For questions regarding NEPA/State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) compliance, LGAs/consultants should contact the NCDOT Division Project Manager. If necessary, Division staff will elevate the inquiry to the NCDOT Environmental Policy Unit (EPU).
IMPORTANT: An approved, current (less than 1 year old) environmental document is required before NCDOT can request funding authorizations, like ROW or Construction Authorization. If the environmental document is more than 1 year old and/or there is a significant change to the project (scope revision, project limits, etc.), a Consultation is required.
