• Considering Cumulative Impacts Under the NEPA

This handbook offers a fresh look at the impacts of projects by taking a more holistic approach (i.e., cumulative impacts) than in the past. The question of how to consider cumulative impacts has received much attention in recent years, and this publication is a tool for evaluating how Federal actions can interact with actions by other governmental and non-governmental entities to affect important environmental resources in a cumulative way.

The handbook presents the results of research and consultation by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) concerning the consideration of cumulative effects in analyses prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). It introduces this complex issue, outlines general principles and useful steps, and provides information on methods of analysis and data sources. It does not establish new requirements for analyses and is not considered CEQ guidance nor is it legally binding. More specifically, Considering Cumulative Impacts Under the NEPA provides a framework for advancing environmental impact analysis by addressing cumulative effects in either an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement. It presents practical methods for addressing coincident effects (adverse or beneficial) on specific resources, ecosystems, and human communities of all related activities, not just the proposed project or alternatives that initiate the assessment process.

• FHWA Guidebook on NEPA Project Development Process

This compilation of regulations, guidance, memoranda, and other communications in a CD format enables FHWA field offices and State and local transportation professionals to access a wealth of information on the FHWA/NEPA project development process. The FHWA selected the CD format for the guidebook to simplify the stakeholders’ access to updated information in a timely manner. In addition, the guidebook is available on the Internet at www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/guidebook/contents.htm.

• Technology Transfer Achievements

The FHWA has been aggressive in using Technology Transfer to help get information to its field offices and stakeholder groups in a timely manner and to provide expanded training opportunities for FHWA, State, and local agency staffs. Through the use of media such as teleconferences, meetings, workshops, and publications, the FHWA has greatly expanded the scope of its outreach to stakeholders. For example, during the past several years, the FHWA has participated in 17 teleconferences sponsored by the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) at North Carolina State University. The National Teleconference Series of CTE is the only national broadcast event dedicated to surface transportation and the environment. Examples of teleconferences in which FHWA participated include: Wildlife Ecology and Transportation; Examining the Planning and Environmental Provisions of ISTEA; the Integration of Watershed Management and Transportation Planning; Transportation Implications of EPA’s New/Revised Standards for Ozone and Particulate Matter; Wetlands Mitigation for Transportation Projects; Update on the CMAQ Program and Transportation Control Measures; Implementing the Environmental Streamlining Provisions of TEA-21; and Best Practices in Wetland Mitigation and Stream Restoration. These teleconferences have been very well received and proved to be a viable and successful way to share policy and program information among transportation and environmental practitioners.

In addition, the FHWA has participated in numerous workshops and conferences, since ISTEA was enacted in 1991, to help engage practitioners in the identification of issues and environmental research needs. New training materials have been developed and, through the National Highway Institute, courses are designed to teach and inform implementing agencies and FHWA field staff of environmental issues that need to be addressed in planning and project development processes.