Many projects that are locally administered often qualify for the lowest level of
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis, which is a
Categorical Exclusion (CE). The types of CE Actions, each with a corresponding Classification Form to complete (see
Procedure), include the following:
- Type I(C) Projects
- Type I Limited-Disturbance Projects
- Type I and II Ground-Disturbing Projects
- Type III Projects
NOTE: This guidance does not address preparation of an Environmental Assessment (EA) nor an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Contact the NCDOT Program Manager or NCDOT Environmental Policy Unit for more information on these types of documents.
NCDOT has signed a Programmatic Agreement with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that updates and streamlines the policy and procedures associated with CE approval and describes activities associated with each CE Action Type in greater detail (see
Resources).
Procedure
Preparing Environmental Documentation
- Review NCDOT's EPU webpage to find updated information on environmental documentation processes
- Perform and document environmental analyses for the project, including assessing environmental effects of the action (natural resources, community studies, historic resources, etc.)
- Refer to The 2024 NCDOT-FHWA Programmatic Agreement (table on Page 4 and Appendices A-D) to determine the appropriate CE Classification Form to complete:
IMPORTANT: Confirm the most recent CE template is being used for the project.
Complete the
Categorical Exclusion Action Classification Form associated with the project type; include a brief set of maps, plans, photos (tied to a photo key), and any pertinent information as directed to assist with NCDOT/FHWA review
- Project Numbers – all relevant project numbers can be found on the front of the Local Project Agreement
- Ensure Backup Documentation (Resource Agency letters, memos, maps, etc.) is included in the package or easily accessible if requested
- Submit CE Checklist through the Enterprise Business Services (EBS) Portal
