Schedule
TIER 1 (Stages 1 - 3) A National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) corridor-level analysis that is completed for large studies that require certain broad questions be answered before a more-detailed study (a Tier 2 analysis) can be done
TIER 2 (Stages 4 & 5) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) project-level analysis that focuses on specific sections identified in Tier 1.
See the process and schedule graphic.
Stage 1
Stage 1: Initiation
Work Plan:
A detailed guide for implementing the Tiered Environmental Impact Statement process
Agency/Community Agreements:
An agreement that documents the desire of involved parties to engage in a particular course of action
Notice of Intent (NOI):
A federal announcement, printed in the federal register, advising interested parties that an environmental impact statement will be prepared and circulated
Stage 1 Completed 2005
Stage 2
Stage 2: Scoping
Scoping:
Identification of key issues and ideas for alternatives
Resource Methodologies and Baseline Data Collection:
A determination of what environmental information is needed and how it will be collected
Purpose & Need:
Definition of why the project is needed and what the alternatives must accomplish
Initial Alternatives Development:
Consideration of broad range of possible alternatives
Community Workshops:
Educational seminars emphasizing interaction and exchange of information among a small group of participants
Range of Corridor Location Alternatives:
All reasonable corridor location alternatives that must be rigorously explored and objectively evaluated
Role of Public Input:
Identify issues to be addressed
Stage 2 Completed 2006
Stage 3
Stage 3: Corridor Evaluation & Documentation
Detailed Alternatives Development:
Detailed planning and conceptual engineering for remaining alternatives
Environmental Impacts Analysis:
Detailed assessment of potential impacts associated with each alternative, including social, economic, and natural environmental impacts
Alternatives Screening:
Application of specific criteria to determine alternatives to be studied in greater detail in Environmental Impact Statement
We are here
Draft Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)—released in May 2016:
Preparation and release of document disclosing all anticipated impacts associated with each alternative for public and agency review
Preferred Corridor Alternative:
The alternative for a corridor location and facility type are chosen based on the project's purpose and need and the requirements of the agencies involved
Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Record of Decision (ROD):
A concise decision document for an EIS that states the decision, other alternatives considered, and mitigation adopted for the selected alternative or choice
The Combined Final Tier 1 EIS and ROD will also respond to public comments on the Draft Tier 1 EIS and identify segments of independent utility.
Role of Public Input:
- Help refine alternatives to minimize impacts
- Endorse criteria for screening
• Comment on the Draft and Final Environmental Impact Statements
We are here at Stage 3 - Started 2006
Stage 4
Stage 4: Project-Specific Scoping & Evaluation
Project-Specific Purpose & Need:
Why the project is needed and what the alternatives must accomplish
Project-Specific Alternative:
Based on the decisions reached during the Tier 1 process, FHWA and CDOT may proceed with Tier 2 studies for specific projects within those segments
All reasonable alternatives in a specific location must be rigorously explored and objectively evaluated
Preferred Project-Specific Alternative:
The alternative that fulfills the applicant agency's statutory mission and achieves the project's stated Purpose & Need
Role of Public Input:
Input on Environmental Evaluation and Documentation and Preferred Project-Specific Alternative
Future: As funding is identified/secured for specific projects
Stage 5
Stage 5: Project-Specific Documentation
Decision Document:
Categorical Exclusion
Finding of No Significant Impact
Record of Decision
Role of Public Input:
The degree of public input sought will depend upon the type of decision document required
Environmental Documentation will be developed as appropriate for the level of impacts involved
Future: As funding is identified/secured for specific projects
