127.1 Request for Environmental Services

Forms

Request for Environmental Services (RES) Form. (This is the new electronic system.)

How to Complete the Request for Environmental Services

127.1.1 Introduction

127.1.1.1 Overview

The Request for Environmental Services (RES) provides the Design Division staff the necessary information to obtain approvals and clearances from FHWA and the resource agencies (i.e., Corps of Engineers, Missouri Department of Natural Resources etc.), ensuring project compliance with state and federal regulations thus preventing project delays or stoppages. The district will submit an RES at each project development milestone (see EPG 127.1.2 Project Development Milestones) at the Location/Conceptual stage (typically when project is in the Scoping section of the STIP) and final design, or at least once annually for all MoDOT projects.

127.1.1.2 Process

RES

RES is a Webform Application that sends an electronic copy to a selected group of Administration and Environmental/Historic Preservation staff for each district when submitted. The distribution ensures that the RES submissions do not wait on an individual who may be out of the office for an extended period of time. In addition to submitting the RES, the appropriate Design Liaison Engineer should be entered in as a district contact when submitted. The electronic application was developed for a faster submittal process and response from the Environmental/Historic Preservation staff.

The RES needs to be created, prepared and submitted when the information is ready for that stage of the project. Do not wait to submit the RES, for example, until the preliminary plans are sent for approval. Prepare the electronic RES and upload with attachments. Once completed, select the “Submit Request to Env. Services.” This will send an RES email to the selected Administration and Environmental/Historic Preservation Staff assigned to that District.

The Design Division staff will examine the RES and the project location to determine what environmental or historic preservation concerns, if any, are associated with the project. An RES response will be prepared and submitted by e-mail to the sender of the RES, the project manager and the Transportation Project Designer, if one is input in SMS. The Design Division keeps copies of all RES-related correspondence on file.

A response will be prepared and returned to the district in 30 days from the date an RES is received. This 30-day turn-around time could be affected by the completeness of the submitted RES, staff workload, and changing priorities. The RES response indicates identified concerns and advises the district of what actions remain to be accomplished by both district and design staff. The goal of this process is to position projects to be compliant with environmental law and regulation before letting.

Many projects will require RES submittals at all the major milestones or at least annually. An RES must be submitted at the Location/Conceptual stage for every project (typically when project is in the Scoping section of the STIP). This allows staff time to schedule and prioritize work. Some projects involve activities that cause very little disruption to the natural and human environment, if any. These projects will require only two RES submittals, as long as the scope and location of the project does not change. An RES must be submitted at the Location/Conceptual stage (typically when project is in the Scoping section of the STIP) and then again at final design stage, at least 60 days before PS&E due date. The Project Manager will receive a notification 60 days before PS&E due date if a final design stage RES has not been submitted. However, an RES must be submitted for any project that has had no activity for a year since the last RES. The types of projects that require only two RESs to be submitted are those that involve:

• No excavation
• No soil disturbance
• No new or additional right of way (including donated right of way)
• No easements

The examples below are not an exhaustive list but illustrate the type of project activities that, if conducted properly, are considered to have minimal environmental impact. The RES submittal is needed to alert Environmental staff to the project location and schedule. In a few cases, these projects may require that job special provisions (JSPs) be added to the construction contract or other special considerations; this is determined from the RES. If a JSP is required, the JSP will be attached to the specific resource section of the RES and the District Action box will reflect that a JSP must be added to the contract. Once the district has acknowledged that the JSP is added to the contract, the resource will be cleared.

Types of Project Activities that Only Require Two RES Submittals*
diamond grinding	resurfacing
traffic signals	pavement markings
contract level course	contract mowing
scrub seal	microsurfacing overlay
cold milling	chip and seal
lighting installation	full depth pavement repair
on-call guardrail repair, JOCs	on-call fence repair
crack pouring and sealing	rumble strip milling
snow/ice removal	epoxy bridge deck sealing
striping	joint repair
*This list is for example only and does not include every possible project that may require only two RESs.

127.1.2 Project Development Milestones

Indicate the project’s current development milestone on the RES. The milestones are:

127.1.2.1 Location/Conceptual Plan Stage

RES attachments required:

• 8½" x 11" location map (county map) and
• topographic map showing project limits—include quadrangle name;
• if available, preliminary plan sheets showing alternatives,
• kmz file is preferred, if available.

At the location/conceptual plan stage, very simple projects may gain NEPA approval. For more complicated projects, NEPA may be approved in the next stage of design. If NEPA has been completed and approved, Environmental staff update the NEPA Approval/Proceed to A-date Request field on the RES. Other issues on-going at this stage include resource agency coordination and identification of potential wetland mitigation sites.

127.1.2.2 Preliminary Plans Stage

RES attachments required:

• 8½" x 11" location map (county map),
• topographic map showing project limits—include quadrangle name, and
• 11" x 17" preliminary plan sheets showing alternatives.
• kmz file is preferred, if available.
• Bridge memo, if available.

At this milestone, preliminary plans are approved and the project moves to detailed design. All NEPA approvals need to be in hand before preliminary plans are approved. Detailed design of the project cannot proceed without first obtaining NEPA approval or risk the loss of federal funds. Also at this stage, preparation of Section 404 permits begins, so the permit application is submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) between this milestone and right-of-way plans milestone. If new ROW or easements are anticipated, to obtain an acquisition date, coordinate with the Environmental and Historic Preservation staff to obtain landowner permission for staff access to complete required surveys. This must be done prior to approval of Preliminary Plans.

127.1.2.3 Right of Way Plan Stage

RES attachments required:

• 8½" x 11" location map (county map),
• topographic map showing project limits—include quadrangle name, and
• 11" x 17" right of way plan sheets.
• kmz file is preferred, if available.
• Bridge memo, if available.

At the right-of-way plan stage, the Design Division staff continue to monitor the project for changes in location and scope, relying heavily on the district to highlight all changes in project scope or location, and further ensure that all permits or approvals are in hand or have been requested.

127.1.2.4 Final Design Stage

RES attachments required:

• 11" x 17" copy of final plans.

At final design stage, all environmental and historic preservation concerns are addressed as well as all permits and approvals obtained to enable project letting. Permits and approvals shall be attached to the RES.