127.26 Environmental Classification

MoDOT projects are assigned an Environmental Classification as part of the NEPA process by the FHWA based on the magnitude of impact that the project will have on the environment

Categorical Exclusion (Programmatic CE, CE, CE2): This designation is used for relatively small projects where little or no measurable environmental impact will occur. These projects may or may not require Section 106 clearance and may have Section 4(f) evaluation concerns. Submission of the RES to Headquarters Design will initiate any required cultural resource studies. Additional RES forms are submitted at each project milestone or when the project scope or footprint changes.

Environmental Assessment (EA): This NEPA document is used to determine whether the project will have significant environmental impacts. If the project is found to have significant impacts, then an Environmental Impact Statement requiring additional study is prepared. If the project is determined not to have significant impacts then the NEPA process is terminated with a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). In some cases, the cultural resources obligations are discharged in the EA process but generally a survey will be conducted once the right of way required for the project has been determined. Submission of the RES to Headquarters Design will initiate any required cultural resource studies. Additional RES forms are submitted at each project milestone or when the project scope or footprint changes.

Environmental impact statement (EIS): This is a detailed NEPA document developed to study the project impacts when a project is determined to have significant impact on the environment. This process concludes with the Record of Decision (ROD). In some cases, the cultural resources obligations are discharged in the EIS process but generally a survey will be conducted once the right of way required for the project has been determined. Submission of the RES to Headquarters Design will initiate any required cultural resource studies. Additional RES forms are submitted at each project milestone or when the project scope or footprint changes.