NCDOT Project Environmental Studies
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) [42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.] was signed into law on January 1, 1970. The Act establishes national environmental policy and goals for the protection, maintenance, and enhancement of the environment, and it provides a process for implementing these goals.

Title I of NEPA contains a Declaration of National Environmental Policy which requires the use of all practical means to create and maintain conditions under which man and nature can exist in productive harmony. Section 102 requires agencies to incorporate environmental considerations in their planning and decision-making through a systematic interdisciplinary approach. Specifically, all agencies are to prepare detailed statements assessing the environmental impact of and alternatives to major actions significantly affecting the environment. These statements are commonly referred to as environmental impact statements (EISs).

Environmental Assessment
Generally, an EA includes brief discussions of the following:

  • Need for the proposal
  • Alternatives for when there is an unresolved conflict concerning uses of available resources
  • Environmental impacts of the proposed action and alternatives
  • Listing of agencies and persons consulted.

Environmental Impact Statement
An EIS should include discussions of the purpose of and need for the action; alternatives; affected environment; environmental consequences of the proposed action; lists of preparers; agencies, organizations and persons to whom the statement is sent; an index; and an appendix (if any).

Environmental studies for NCDOT projects in the MPO area will be posted here as they become available.
I-2402      I-85 Bypass (Southern Urban Loop)
U-2524    Western Urban Loop
U-2525    Eastern / Northern Urban Loop