Environmental Requirements for Access Projects (Industrial, Airport, Rail, and Recreational)

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) assists Localities in providing Access roads to qualifying airports, industrial sites and rail sites through the Industrial, Airport, and Rail Access Fund program.  In addition, funds are available to Localities to provide access to recreational and historical sites through the Recreational Access Fund program.  There are environmental requirements associated with these projects that must be completed to be eligible for reimbursement through these programs. 

When a Locality enters into a Project Administration Agreement with VDOT for an Access road, the agreement indicates the roles and responsibilities of each party (see template State Environmental Appendix).  If the Locality is responsible for environmental compliance, it is the Localities responsibility to complete all environmental studies and obtain all necessary permits to allow VDOT to authorize construction of the project.  Please remember, any earth disturbing and/or construction activities performed prior to written approval by VDOT cannot be reimbursed!

VDOT will certify the environmental documentation is complete and valid prior to advertisement and construction, so close coordination between the Locality and the VDOT District Environmental Manager will be important. 

VDOT understands environmental compliance may be new to Localities and recommends contacting the appropriate VDOT District Environmental Manager for technical advice and guidance related to environmental compliance.  However, all information that documents environmental compliance (agency correspondence, forms, permits, etc.) should be sent to the VDOT Project Coordinator, with a copy provided to the VDOT District Environmental Manager.  You will be informed who the VDOT Project Coordinator is upon notification of a successful Access project application. 

If you have specific questions about the Access Road Program, please contact the VDOT Local Assistance Division, Access Program staff. 

For information about general environmental requirements, please contact Ms. Jackie Cromwell (Jackie.Cromwell@Virginia.DOT.gov) at 804-371-6829. 

• Environmental Compliance
• Cultural Resource Coordination
• Water Quality & Natural Resource Coordination
• Hazardous Materials Coordination
• Access Road - Environmental Checklist

Forms:

• Project Early Notification form (EQ-429) – must be completed to initiate State Environmental Review Process (SERP)
• Water Quality Permits and Natural Resource Due Diligence Certification form (EQ-555) – must be completed by Locality and submitted to VDOT
• Hazardous Materials Due Diligence Certification form (EQ-121) - must be completed by Locality and submitted to VDOT

Guidance:

• VDOT Instructional & Informational Memorandum 216.5 – VDOT policy on projects designed/administered/advertised by Localities
• SERP Preliminary Environmental Inventory – example of PEI
• Environmental Certification – form completed by VDOT Environmental Manager prior to project authorization for construction.  Agency coordination information allows this to be completed.
• Access Road Environmental Checklist
• VDOT District Environmental Manager Contacts

Related links: