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Public, active, and shared transportation

Reducing emissions through investing in public, active, and shared transportation

Electrifying vehicles is the most effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the transportation sector, however, improving public and active transportation is an important step in reducing emissions in Maine. Although MaineDOT can't ask drivers to use their vehicles less, the Department can provide drivers with the choice of alternative modes of transportation. There are a number of projects underway that have goals of increasing active and shared transportation within the State. 

Training

Environmental training at MaineDOT is designed to meet its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The training includes modular sessions that cover different aspects of NEPA, as well as related laws, regulations, and Executive Orders. These modules introduce the relevant legal framework, explain MaineDOT's NEPA process, and clarify the roles and responsibilities of its technical experts and staff.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) are part the Environmental Office’s process that occur at a program level and at multiple points during a project. QA is utilized to proactively focus on the prevention of issues and manage the quality of the process. QC is utilized to verify the quality of the project process and documentation. MaineDOT Environmental Office Director, NEPA Manager, and staff conduct annual NEPA quality reviews. These reviews will consist of selecting various projects.

Water Resources and Wetlands

Several laws and Executive Orders (including Clean Water Act, Rivers and Harbor Act, Coastal Zone Management Act, Floodplain Management) require that all proposed federally funded projects undergo assessments to determine the impacts on the natural environment resulting from projects.

Social and Economic

MaineDOT considers the impacts a proposed project may have on minority and low-income populations. MaineDOT complies with the existing Executive Orders (EO), Environmental Justice requirements, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Transportation decision-making involves properly addressing the needs of different socio-economic groups. A process which involves diverse populations in the development of a project may result in greater equity.

Hazardous Materials Management

MaineDOT conducts database and field assessments to address issues of liability and materials management which may affect transportation projects. The assessment addresses the liability of acquiring portions or the entire property, and liability within the Right of Way under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act (SARA).

Fisheries and Wildlife

Several laws (including the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act) require that all proposed actions with a federal nexus undergo assessment to determine the impacts projects have on fisheries and wildlife.

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