Florida Department of Transportation

Quality Control Review for Environmental Impact Assessment

Project Name:	______________________________________	FM #: __________________________

Limits:	_______________________________________

Consultant:	________________________________________	FAP#: __________________________

Document type:	DEIS	FEIS	ROD	FEIS/ROD

Review Date:	_________________

This checklist provides guidance on reviewing a Draft/Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The consultant will comply with the requirements set forth in Part 1, Chapter 8 (Draft Environmental Impact Statement) and Part 1, Chapter 9 (Final Environmental Impact Statement) of the Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Manual and all other applicable chapters of the PD&E Manual.

Items to Review:	Yes	No	N/A
GENERAL
Cover Page The cover page was prepared in accordance with Part 1, Chapter 8 or Part 1, Chapter 9 as applicable. An EIS number is included in the cover page.
Table of Contents: The table of content contains sections that are described in Part 1, Chapter 6 of the PD&E Manual. All sections of an EIS appear in the table of contents.
FEIS Errata Sheets were included if appropriate.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
DEIS: The Executive Summary briefly describes the proposed action and the conclusions of issue/resource analysis for a project and identifies avoidance, minimization, and/or mitigation measures for the DEIS:
Proposed Action: Description of the proposed project.
Other Major Government Actions: A summary of major local, state, or federal actions proposed by other government entities in the same geographical area as the project.
Alternatives Considered: A brief discussion of the alternatives considered including the No-Build alternative.
Major Environmental Impact: A brief overview of the major environmental issues addressed in the DEIS.
Areas of Controversy: a brief description of areas of controversy and the steps taken to resolve them to date; a brief discussion of unresolved issues.
List of Other Governmental Actions Required (e.g. federal permits, land transfers, and Section 106 agreements).
Irretrievable and Irreversible Commitment of Resources: A brief discussion of impacts to natural, physical, human, and fiscal resources that could not be recovered.
Measures to Avoid or Minimize Potential Adverse Impact: A brief outline of appropriate sections of the DEIS are referenced and any mitigation measures proposed for the project.
Short-term effects of the project on the human environment as weighed against the overall long-term benefits of the project
FEIS: The following sections were included in the FEIS as described in Part 1, Chapter 9 of the PD&E Manual:
Proposed Action: Description of the proposed project.
Other Government Actions and Permits Required: A summary of major local, state, or federal actions proposed by other government entities in the same geographical area as the project.
Alternatives Considered: A brief discussion of the alternatives considered including the No-Build alternative.
Unresolved Issues and Areas of Controversy: a brief description of areas of controversy and the steps taken to resolve them to date.
Preferred Alternative: Description of the preferred alternative and rationale for the decision.
Environmental Impacts: A summary of major environmental impacts, both beneficial and adverse, that may result from the project.
Wetlands Finding: A summary of wetland impacts, any proposed wetland mitigation, and agency coordination including appropriate standard statements and concurrence letters.
Floodplain Finding: A summary of floodplain impacts and any proposed mitigation, including appropriate standard statements and agency coordination.
Coastal Zone Consistency (CZC): A brief discussion of project compliance with the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 and the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP). Summary of agency coordination and concurrence letters.
Cultural Resources: A summary of Section 4(f), Section 106, agency coordination, and associated findings, including appropriate standard statements and agency concurrence letter.
Protect Species and Habitat: A summary of the analysis of the project’s involvement with federally threatened and endangered species or their critical habitat, including appropriate standard statements and concurrence letters.
Farmland: A brief discussion about consultation and coordination with NRCS.
Irretrievable and Irreversible Commitment of Resources: A brief discussion of impacts to natural, physical, human, and fiscal resources that could not be recovered.
Measures to Avoid or Minimize Potential Adverse Impact: A brief discussion of measures taken to minimize or avoid adverse impacts on the environment.
Short-term effects of the project on the human environment as weighed against the overall long-term benefits of the project.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE AND NEED:
Project Description: The project description contains summary of the existing facility, limits of proposed improvements, city and county where the project is located, and proposed improvements. Project Map with project limits is attached.
Purpose and Need: The need(s) explains current or future transportation problems (and the causes of the problems) that are true drivers of the project. The need is defined in terms understandable to the public. The purpose identifies goals/objectives of the project. If the project was screened through EST, the Purpose and Need was updated as appropriate to reflect current project conditions.
PLANNING CONSISTENCY
Planning consistency discussion completed with information required to verify that a project meets the planning requirements in 23 CFR § 450. This includes: A discussion of the scope and project’s funding consistency with the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Relevant pages from the LRTP, Cost Feasible Plan (CFP), TIP, and STIP are attached. Documentation of implementation of any future phases of the project not shown on these plans including planned fiscal year. A location map showing project segmentation, if applicable.
ALTERNATIVES
Alternatives Development includes a description of all alternatives and a summary of the process used to develop alternatives.
Alternatives Considered but Eliminated includes a description of alternatives and the reasons for elimination.
The alternatives considered for additional study include: Summary of the environmental impacts of each alternative, including the No Action/ No Build Alternative. Description of how each alternative addresses the need for proposed action and affect (including enhancement) to the environment.
Comparative Alternatives Evaluation includes brief discussion of criteria for evaluation, and compares alternatives against each other.
Recommended Alternative includes a description of the alternative and rationale for being recommended for implementation. Recommended Alternative was updated to Preferred Alternative in FEIS.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
Affected Environment
Each issue/resource subsection contains a general description of the project area that is focused on issues, data, and values which will have a bearing on possible impacts, mitigation measures, and on the selection of an alternative.
Socially, economically, and environmentally sensitive areas or features in the proposed project impact area are identified on exhibits and briefly described in the text.
Confirm the locations of sensitive resources (e.g., archeological sites, threatened or endangered species locations) were not revealed in the document.
Environmental Consequences
Each issue/resource subheading describes the potential impacts/benefits of the proposed project and the alternatives evaluated. Impacts that can be mitigated were discussed. For each issue/resource, technical reports prepared to substantiate impacts, benefits and/or mitigation were appropriately referenced and included in the project file. Each subsection was updated to identify the preferred alternative in an FEIS (or FEIS/ROD). Mitigation measures were identified for the preferred alternative, if applicable, and discussed.
SOCIAL & ECONOMIC
Sociocultural Effects Evaluation (SCE) report was prepared and is available in the project file.
Social
Impacts to community cohesion, community characteristics, special community designations, safety/emergency response, demographics, and community goals and quality of life are discussed.
Economic
Economic characteristics of the community and the project impacts to business and employment activity as well as property values are discussed.
Land use
Land use information has been identified and documented. Any properties that would require Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) coordination have been discussed.
Mobility
Impacts to mobility and accessibility have been evaluated and discussed.
Aesthetic
Aesthetic characteristics have been evaluated.
Relocation Potential
Right of way impacts on each alternative have been described and a list of proposed takes provided.
If relocations are anticipated, a Conceptual Stage Relocation Plan (CSRP) has been prepared and is available in the project file.
Farmland
Impacts of each alternative on farmland is discussed; farmland conversion impact rating form NRCS-CPA-106 or AD-1006 is included in the appendix.
Avoidance, minimization, and/or mitigation measures are discussed.
CULTURAL
Historic & Archaeological Sites
Cultural Resources Assessment Survey (CRAS) has been performed in accordance with Part 2, Chapters 7 and 8 of the PD&E Manual.
Methodology, area of potential effects (APE) and cultural resources (including tribal cultural resources) found within the APE were discussed.
If required, tribal coordination was appropriately summarized.
Significance (NRHP eligibility) of each evaluated cultural resource and coordination with SHPO, as applicable, were discussed. SHPO concurrence letter (if required) is attached
Anticipated effect finding for each resource has been briefly discussed.
Section 4(f) and Recreational Areas
Data collected reflects information pertaining to public parks, recreation areas, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and historic sites.
If there are no Section 4(f) resource within the project area, a statement of that effect is included.
If potential Section 4(f) resources are identified within or adjacent to the proposed project, a determination of Applicability (DOA) has been completed using complete a Section 4(f) Determination of Applicability Form, Form No. 650-050-45.
If there is a Section 4(f) use, a de minimis impact determination, programmatic evaluation, or individual evaluation has been prepared, appropriately.
If there is a Section 4(f) use, Avoidance, minimization, and/or mitigation measures and coordination with SHPO, as applicable, have been discussed.
National Park Service (NPS) position relative to Section 6f (for applicable sites) has been documented.
NATURAL
Natural Resource Evaluation (NRE) has been prepared in accordance with the PD&E Manual.
Protected Species and Habitat
Summary of protected species and habitat impacts and agency coordination is included.
Appropriate correspondences with USFWS, NMFS, FWC, or other resource or regulatory agencies regarding protected species and habitat information have been summarized and are available in the project file. USFWS and/or NMFS concurrence letter is attached to the EA.
Status of the completion of consultation with the Services is stated and any FDOT commitments associated with the outcome of consultation are documented in the EA.
Wetlands and Other Surface Waters
Wetland areas within or adjacent to the project area have been identified using GIS analysis or similar desktop analysis and overlaid on the project base map.
Each wetland site has been classified using the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the US and the FLUCFCS.
All comments received during the ETDM and/or Advanced Notification process been addressed or resolved.
Impacts on federal/state wetlands and waters by drainage and impact type are summarized in a tabular form.
All possible permit agencies with jurisdiction over wetlands and their requirements have been addressed.
The extent of wetland impacts has been identified for each alternative.
Description of wetland impacts include a discussion on secondary and cumulative impacts, if applicable.
Avoidance, minimization, and/or mitigation measures are discussed. Possible wetland mitigation sites or mitigation banks credits have been identified, briefly described and evaluated with respect to availability to address the project’s impacts. Include standard wetland mitigation statement if mitigation is anticipated.
If there are no wetland impacts, appropriate finding is included.
If avoidance of wetland impacts is not possible, a formal wetland finding stating that no practical alternatives to the wetland impacts was determined. Reference to EO 11990 is included.
Essential Fish Habitat
A summary of agency coordination and compensation for impacts (as appropriate) is available in the project file. NMFS concurrence letter is attached to the EA.
EFH Assessment has been prepared and consultation has been completed in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA).
NMFS provides conservation recommendations and FDOT’s responses are included in the Appendix of the EA and attached to the EFH Assessment section of the NRE.
Aquatic Preserves / Outstanding Florida Waters
Project involvement with aquatic preserves and Outstanding Florida Waters is documented.
ETAT comments (from ETDM screening) about project impact n Outstanding Florida Waters or aquatic preserves were addressed.
Coordination with FDEP (for projects in aquatic preserves) has occurred and is documented in the project file.
Any aquatic preserves and Outstanding Florida Waters which may be within the project limits were identified and discussed.
Measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate harm to aquatic preserves and Outstanding Florida Waters are discussed.
Water Quality and Water Quality
Project’s potential involvement with surface water bodies and groundwater and their designations has been briefly discussed.
Measures to avoid, minimize, and/or mitigate water quality/storm water impacts have been briefly discussed.
Pond siting report or conceptual drainage design report is available in the project file.
Wild and Scenic Rivers
Project involvement with river segments identified in the NRI is documented.
Appropriate analysis has been performed for the Section 7 of the WSRA procedure finding.
If the project involves either a study river or a river designated as a Wild and Scenic River, required consultations with the managing entity of the river and the appropriate NPS, RAA, or other relevant agencies were conducted.
If the wild and scenic river is protected by Section 4(f), appropriate coordination was done to obtain concurrence on the Section 4(f) finding. Appropriate Section 4(f) form is prepared.
Floodplains
Floodplain analysis was conducted and the Location Hydraulic Report include (as appropriate) discussion of the risks associated with the project implementation, impacts to floodplains values, support of incompatible floodplain development. Floodplains finding according to EO 11988 is included.
Level of encroachment is discussed.
Measures to minimize, restore and preserve impacted flood plain values are discussed.
If the project would increase number of, or damage flood receptors, appropriate coordination with FEMA occurred and is documented in the project file.
Coastal Zone Consistency
The project has been determined to be consistent with the CZMP per ETDM Screening and any subsequent consistency review by a FCMP agent. Ensure
Letter from the State Clearing House is referenced and is available in the project file.
Coastal Barrier Resources
Consultation process and final determination is summarized. Correspondence and other related documents are available in the project file.
PHYSICAL
Noise
Land uses and sensitive receptors have been determined.
Considerations of noise abatement measures are summarized, this includes a discussion of whether noise abatement is reasonable and feasible.
Statement of likelihood regarding re-evaluating noise abatement that are reasonable and feasible during design is included.
Noise Study Report was prepared and is available in the project file.
Air Quality
The results of a screening level analysis (if required) was summarized.
Air Quality Technical Memorandum (if required) has been prepared and is available in the project file.
Contamination
Findings of Level I investigation/Contamination Screening Evaluation have been summarized.
Avoidance, minimization, and remediation measures (including any special provisions to handle hazardous materials during project construction) are discussed.
Contamination Screening Evaluation Report was prepared and is available in the project file.
Utilities and Railroads
Involvement with utilities and/or rail systems is discussed.
Utility Assessment Package was prepared and is available in the project file.
Construction
Potential impacts from construction and measures to minimize and/or mitigate are discussed.
Bicycles and Pedestrians
Alternatives developed have considered strategies to accommodate bicycles and pedestrians.
Navigation
Potential impacts and measures to minimize and/or mitigate impacts to navigation are discussed.
Documentation of coordination with USCG is available in the project file.
CUMULATIVE EFFECTS EVALUATION (Only when required)
Resources requiring indirect/cumulative effects evaluation were identified with coordination with the Department and resource agencies.
Project-related direct and indirect impacts on each resource were evaluated and are documented.
Minimization and/or mitigation measures for cumulative impacts are discussed or recommending measures for actions by others are documented.
PERMITS
All anticipated environmental permits are listed.
Names of the permitting agency, the name of the permit, and the permit status are provided.
The District Permit Coordinator was contacted when preparing the list of anticipated permits.
Documentation of regulatory agency coordination should be added to the project file.
COMMENTS AND COORDINATION
Comments and Coordination documentation is available in the project file.
Comments received and responses/resolutions made during Advanced Notification and ETDM Programming Screen were summarized.
The Environmental Scoping Process for EIS discussed contains: meeting information, agency participants, and a summary of meetings, discussions, and pertinent correspondence.
A chronological list of all coordination and consultation meetings that are not captured in ETDM was included.
Public hearing information is provided. The Public Hearing Certification Form # 650-050-56 was completed and included with the transcript.
The following statement was included in the Draft EIS for the Concluding Statement: FDOT will not make a final decision on the proposed action or any alternative until a public hearing has been held on this project and comments received have been taken into consideration. This subsection was deleted in the FEIS or FEIS/ROD.
A Public Hearing subsection was included in the FEIS or FEIS/ROD.
COMMITMENTS
Commitments identified during development of the Study, and coordination or consultation with resource agencies are stated in the environmental document.
Commitments do not include statements of Department’s procedures such as Standard Specifications, Design Standards, or Standard procedure of doing work.
Commitments have been confirmed by FDOT that the commitments identified are reasonable and feasible.
Project Commitment Record (PCR) form includes all commitments transferred verbatim from the Environmental Document.
LIST OF PREPARERS
A list of federal, state, or local agency personnel, including consultants, who were primarily responsible for preparing the EIS or associated technical studies is included.
DISTRIBUTION LIST
List of entities which will receive the DEIS is included.
List was updated in the FEIS or FEIS/ROD to include those who submitted comments on the DEIS.
INDEX
An index of the EIS was developed in accordance with Part 1, Chapter 8 of the PD&E Manual.
The index was updated in the FEIS or FEIS/ROD.
APPENDIX
The contents of the Appendix include materials necessary to support FDOT’s analysis and decision-making, which are not otherwise readily available to the public or agencies for inspection during the comment period in accordance with Part 1, Chapter of the PD&E Manual.
The Appendix was separated into Pre-Hearing and Post-Hearing sections in the FEIS or FEIS/ROD.
RECORD OF DECISION (ROD):
The FEIS and ROD were prepared as a single document. The format has been coordinated with FDOT Office of Environmental Management (OEM).
FEIS was prepared separately. ROD was prepared for inclusion as a component of the FEIS. The Record of Decision Cover Page, Form 650-050-28 was utilized.
If utilizing errata sheets and the FEIS/ROD, the submittal includes the DEIS, errata sheets, responses to DEIS comments and a ROD.