Developed in conjunction with the engineering studies, the environmental studies evaluate the study area and the proposed alignment alternatives. All environmental studies are completed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as adopted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and include a comprehensive public participation and information sharing process. The study evaluates the following for impacts:

• Purpose and Need
• Biology
• Cultural
• Hazardous Materials
• Land Use
• Noise
• Prime or Unique Farmlands
• Secondary and Cumulative Impacts Analysis
• Section 4(f) Properties*
• Socioeconomic
• Title VI / Environmental Justice
• Transportation Modal Analysis
• Visual
• Water Resources
• Water Quality

Like the engineering analysis, the environmental analysis includes a multi-tiered approach and analyzes the impacts at an increasingly precise level. The first level of environmental study is called the Baseline Environmental Analysis (BEA). The BEA evaluates a large defined study area looking for major environmental issues that must be considered prior to developing roadway corridors and alignments. At the conclusion of the BEA, the FHWA and ADOT make a determination as to whether the next tier of study would be a Categorical Exclusion (CE), an Environmental Assessment (EA), or an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). For this project, the FHWA and ADOT have determined that an EA is the appropriate level of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation required.


The EA will be completed in two parts. Part one will be the Draft EA, which could recommend a preferred alternative. A public hearing will be held to receive, consider, and document comments on the Draft EA and its findings. These comments will then be considered as the Final EA is developed. Upon completion of the Final EA, an environmental determination will be made as to whether the proposed project's impacts are significant or not. If it is determined there are no significant impacts, then the FHWA would issue a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).


*"A later amendment to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Act of 1966 stipulating that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and other DOTs cannot approve the use of land from a significant publicly owned public park, recreation area, wildlife or waterfowl refuge, or any significant cultural cultural resource unless there is no prudent and feasible alternative to the use of land and unless the action includes all possible planning to minimize harm to the property resulting from use."

Our Valley Freeway System is part of the 2004 voter-approved Regional Transportation Plan. We are working hard with our transit partners to implement the voters’ vision and are committed to quality, safety, open communication with our neighbors, and minimal inconvenience to the traveling public.