The
Environmental Planning Group is highly cognizant of wildlife
and its habitat throughout the state. Each highway project
is meticulously evaluated for impacts to wildlife including
species classified as Threatened and Endangered by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, and various species listed by
resource agencies.
The primary documents used to evaluate wildlife include Biological Assessments and Biological Assessment and Evaluations. Also specific biological studies are conducted for highway projects on Tribal lands.
To help preserve the integrity of native vegetation throughout the state, the Environmental Planning Group also evaluates projects for invasive weeds, and prescribes mitigation measures to remove and prevent introduction of such species.
The Environmental Planning Group also assists ADOT in promoting water quality through Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The primary documents prepared to acquire Section 404 permits from the US Army Corps of Engineers include Preconstruction Notifications (for projects that do not require an individual permit) and Individual 404 Permit Applications.
Many ADOT projects require an Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. This permit is handled by the ADOT Roadside Development Section. For more information on this permit, please call the ADOT Roadside Development office at telephone 602-712-7357.
The Guidelines in the right-hand column provide information to help consultants, local government representatives, or ADOT Districts to prepare accurate biological assessments, invasive weeds evaluations, and Section 404 permit applications.
