Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?
What is the primary purpose of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?
Which document codifies federal regulations in the United States?
Which document codifies federal regulations in the United States?
Which of the following is a relevant executive order related to highway engineering?
Which of the following is a relevant executive order related to highway engineering?
Which agency primarily implements the regulations set forth by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?
Which agency primarily implements the regulations set forth by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?
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What does Title 40 of the CFR specifically address?
What does Title 40 of the CFR specifically address?
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Which of the following best describes the focus of the federal laws mentioned?
Which of the following best describes the focus of the federal laws mentioned?
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Who has the authority to issue executive orders relevant to highway engineering?
Who has the authority to issue executive orders relevant to highway engineering?
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What is a potential consequence of not complying with NEPA requirements?
What is a potential consequence of not complying with NEPA requirements?
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What was a key change introduced by the Clean Air Act amendments in 1990?
What was a key change introduced by the Clean Air Act amendments in 1990?
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Which document serves as a conclusion to the environmental review process?
Which document serves as a conclusion to the environmental review process?
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What is the primary goal of the primary national ambient air quality standards (NAAQSs)?
What is the primary goal of the primary national ambient air quality standards (NAAQSs)?
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Which of the following documents is NOT involved in the environmental review process?
Which of the following documents is NOT involved in the environmental review process?
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What does a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) indicate?
What does a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) indicate?
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What is a responsibility of each state under the Clean Air Act?
What is a responsibility of each state under the Clean Air Act?
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Why were secondary national ambient air quality standards (NAAQSs) established?
Why were secondary national ambient air quality standards (NAAQSs) established?
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Which of the following is NOT a document frequently referred to in environmental reviews?
Which of the following is NOT a document frequently referred to in environmental reviews?
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What must the proposing agency provide during public hearings for significant federal actions?
What must the proposing agency provide during public hearings for significant federal actions?
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What is the minimum public comment period for a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)?
What is the minimum public comment period for a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)?
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What should be documented in public hearings?
What should be documented in public hearings?
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What is the primary purpose of an Environmental Assessment (EA)?
What is the primary purpose of an Environmental Assessment (EA)?
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What are the two primary objectives of the Noise Control Act (NCA) relevant to highway engineering?
What are the two primary objectives of the Noise Control Act (NCA) relevant to highway engineering?
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Which of the following is NOT required to be provided to the public as part of the public hearings?
Which of the following is NOT required to be provided to the public as part of the public hearings?
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Which agency was created by the Noise Control Act to oversee noise abatement efforts?
Which agency was created by the Noise Control Act to oversee noise abatement efforts?
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What does the Freedom of Information Act require from agencies?
What does the Freedom of Information Act require from agencies?
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What noise limits exist for motor vehicles according to the regulations implementing the NCA?
What noise limits exist for motor vehicles according to the regulations implementing the NCA?
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Why is coordination with various agencies important in preparing an Environmental Assessment?
Why is coordination with various agencies important in preparing an Environmental Assessment?
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What significant change occurred to the Office of Noise Abatement and Control (ONAC) during the 1980s?
What significant change occurred to the Office of Noise Abatement and Control (ONAC) during the 1980s?
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Which type of action typically requires a public hearing?
Which type of action typically requires a public hearing?
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How does the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) define ‘approach’ in terms of noise levels?
How does the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) define ‘approach’ in terms of noise levels?
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What is defined as a ‘significant increase’ of noise levels according to FHWA?
What is defined as a ‘significant increase’ of noise levels according to FHWA?
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What part of the Code of Federal Regulations contains noise emissions regulations from construction equipment?
What part of the Code of Federal Regulations contains noise emissions regulations from construction equipment?
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Which of the following agencies has largely taken over the control of highway noise since the closure of ONAC?
Which of the following agencies has largely taken over the control of highway noise since the closure of ONAC?
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What distinguishes viable alternatives from those no longer under consideration?
What distinguishes viable alternatives from those no longer under consideration?
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How should the evaluation of the environmental setting be presented?
How should the evaluation of the environmental setting be presented?
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Which of the following best describes how alternatives should be documented when a preferred alternative is not identified?
Which of the following best describes how alternatives should be documented when a preferred alternative is not identified?
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What is the primary purpose of the evaluation within an Environmental Assessment (EA)?
What is the primary purpose of the evaluation within an Environmental Assessment (EA)?
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Which aspect should NOT be included when describing the setting in an EA?
Which aspect should NOT be included when describing the setting in an EA?
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What should be stated regarding technical studies or backup reports in the EA?
What should be stated regarding technical studies or backup reports in the EA?
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How should impacts be evaluated when multiple alternatives exist?
How should impacts be evaluated when multiple alternatives exist?
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What is required when describing viable alternatives in relation to project purpose and need?
What is required when describing viable alternatives in relation to project purpose and need?
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Study Notes
Environmental Compliance
- The US Code (USC) codifies Federal laws created by Congress.
- The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) codifies Federal regulations.
- Title 23 CFR encompasses Department of Transportation regulations.
- Title 40 CFR encompasses Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.
- Executive orders, issued by the President of the United States, mandate policy on specific issues.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- NEPA of 1970, with amendments, is the most important environmental legislation for highway engineers planning or implementing projects.
- NEPA necessitates environmental impact assessments for federally funded programs or projects.
- Major NEPA documents:
- Notice of Intent (NOI)
- Environmental Assessment (EA)
- Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)
- Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)
- Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)
- Record of Decision (ROD)
Clean Air Act (CAA)
- The CAA, enacted in 1970, replaced the 1967 Air Quality Act, establishing a policy to protect air quality for public health and welfare.
- The EPA has administrative authority for CAA implementation.
- Each state must develop and implement state implementation plans (SIPs).
- The CAA mandates the establishment of primary and secondary national ambient air quality standards (NAAQSs).
- Primary standards protect human health.
- Secondary standards protect public welfare, including vegetation, visibility, aesthetics, and property.
Noise Control Act (NCA)
- The NCA aims to control noise emissions, focusing on: developing state and local noise control programs and controlling noise from transportation and construction.
- The EPA Office of Noise Abatement and Control (ONAC) was created under the NCA.
- Noise limits for various vehicles and equipment are regulated by specific 40 CFR parts.
- The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regulates highway noise abatement, including FHWA Noise Abatement Criteria (NAC) for allowable noise levels.
Legislation for Freshwater Sources
- The Clean Water Act (CWA) regulates the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters and associated wetlands.
- The CWA aims to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters.
- The CWA includes provisions for protecting wetlands, which are vital for various ecological functions, including water filtration, wildlife habitat, and flood control.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
- An EIS is required for major federal actions with significant environmental impacts.
- The EIS process involves public participation, including public hearings and comment periods.
- The EIS document must analyze the project's potential environmental impacts, alternatives, and mitigation measures.
Environmental Assessment (EA)
- An EA is conducted when an EIS is not clearly necessary.
- The EA determines the potential environmental impacts of a project and assesses their significance.
- It involves studying and analyzing relevant environmental factors and regulations.
- It may consider project alternatives, evaluating their effectiveness, impacts, and cost.
- The EA should present a clear environmental setting description and list any technical studies or reports used in the assessment.
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Description
This quiz covers the essentials of Environmental Compliance, including the US Code and CFR regulations, as well as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its implications for highway engineers. Participants will learn about major documents required under NEPA and the significance of the Clean Air Act in environmental regulation.
