The environment in which we live includes a variety of features that may be natural or man-made, physical or perceived. Protecting natural and cultural features and minimizing impacts of transportation projects on the environment are important considerations in transportation planning. It is important to achieve a balance between economic development and mobility with the desire for a high quality of life that includes clean air and water, environmental preservation, and recreational opportunities.

KTMPO coordinates with the following statewide agencies in identifying areas of environmental sensitivity and developing mitigation strategies.

TxDOT works with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and other federal agencies to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Planners may use the TxDOT Scope Development Tool meet the standards required by TxDOT policy to comply with NEPA compliance procedures and Title 43, Chapter 2 of the Texas Administrative Code.

Questions? Contact the Environmental Affairs Project Delivery Section at (512) 416-2763.

Potential Environmental Mitigation Activities

Mitigation

Sustainability

Sustainable transportation is the process of designing transportation systems in order to improve livability and mobility by simultaneously meeting social, environmental, and economic goals. It is an interlocking series of processes, guided by a collection of principles to meet the needs of present and future members of the community by conserving natural resources.

Best Practices to Implement Sustainability

KTMPO uses the following practices to implement sustainability principles in the planning process:

  • Triple Bottom Line – Considering the social, environmental, and economic impacts equally
  • Life Cycle Assessment – Considering environmental impacts over the life of a project
  • Project Scoring and Selection – Placing higher value on projects or methods that combine a positive effect on quality of life with minimal impact on the natural environment
  • Performance Measures – Collecting data from multiple sources related to the Triple Bottom Line. Public surveys, air quality monitoring, cost analysis, and other metrics may be used.
  • Congestion Management – Implementing a broad policy in order to improve mobility and reduce emissions, resulting in higher quality of life for our region.
  • Materials Selection – Seeking ways to use recycled materials during construction and maintenance, while also eliminating the use of non-renewable resources.
  • Energy Efficiency – Developing projects to maximize efficient travel in terms of time and fuel.

Strategies for Implementing Sustainable Principles

Strategies_Sustainable Principles

For information on Green Infrastructure, please visit www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure.

Context Sensitive Solutions

Context sensitive solutions (CSS) is a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that involves all stakeholders in providing a transportation facility that fits its setting. It is an approach that leads to preserving and enhancing scenic, aesthetics, historic, community, and environmental resources, while improving or maintaining safety, mobility and infrastructure conditions.

Characteristics of the CSS Design

  • The project is in harmony with the community.
  • Preserves the environmental, scenic, aesthetic, historic, and natural resource values of the area.
  • Provides a safe facility for all users and the community.
  • Solves problems and satisfies the purpose and needs identified by a full range of stakeholders.
  • Exceeds the expectations of both designers and stakeholders and is perceived as adding lasting value to the community as a whole.
  • Involves efficient and effective use of resources of all involved parties

For more information on Context Sensitive Solutions, please visit www.contextsensitivesolutions.org/