Program

Continental Breakfast
(Exhibit Area)

WELCOME
(Capitol Ballroom)

James Bass, TxDOT Executive Director
Carlos Swonke, Environmental Affairs Division Director

Transportation Planning and Environmental Linkages: Beyond PEL Guidance to Implementation
Ashby Johnson, Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) Executive Director
(Welcome Session/Johnson presentation, 958KB)

High Speed Rail EIS Update
Stephen Anderson
(Welcome Session/Anderson presentation, 5.1MB)

GENERAL SESSION
(Capitol Ballroom)

Environmental Achievement Award
Presented by: Laura Cruzada, TxDOT

The Future of the Environmental Workforce: A Panel Discussion about the Incoming Generation
Moderator: Carlos Swonke, TxDOT

Panel:
Spencer Ward, Carrington Wright, Tracey Janus, and Rodney Concienne, TxDOT

This panel discussion will explore the changing nature of the workforce and how this affects recruitment and retention here at TxDOT, and in the environmental and transportation fields in general. We’ll hear from young professionals currently working in the environmental transportation field on their personal experiences, including discussion on professional development, modernization of the workplace, and where they think the field is headed. We’ll also get some input from one of our managers on his experiences, strategies, and advice for working with and recruiting the young professional workforce.

CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS: 1–4

BREAKOUT 1 — Air Quality Updates
(Capitol ABC)

Tim Wood, TxDOT
(Breakout Session 1 presentation, 3.3MB)

TxDOT Air Quality SME will discuss: 1) Implications of updated FHWA Interim MSAT guidance, 2) project level conformity and a walkthrough of the conformity report form, 3) updates to the AQ toolkit, and 4) additional resources for responding to public comments on air quality.

BREAKOUT 2 — Pilot Project with HOU and FHWA: IH-10 Corridor Study – FHWA Health in Corridor Planning Guide and Ways Advanced Planning Can Streamline Project Development
(Capitol D)

Dr. Qing Li and Dr. Ana Ramirez, TxDOT
(Breakout Session 2 presentation, 4.6MB)

The project applies FHWA’s framework of Health in Transportation Corridor Planning to the I-10 from Beltway 8 to I-610 in Houston, Texas. The goal is to integrate health outcomes from active transportation as it relates to the built environment, to inform decision-makers and improve corridor planning. Incorporating Health outcomes can improve TxDOT’s project programming and planning processes.

BREAKOUT 3 — How to Identify and Manage NEPA Risks During Project Delivery
(Capitol E)

Moderator: Christine Bergren, TxDOT

Adam Jack and Shirley Nichols, TxDOT
Sonny Kaiser, Ecosystem Planning and Restoration

This session will include a panel consisting of a District Environmental Coordinator, a Private Consultant and a District Transportation Planning and Development Director. The session will cover: Risk Management – how to apply risk management principles during all stages of project development. Such risks could include: Compressed timelines, staff turnover, funding changes, design changes, and more…

It is critical to identify risks early during scoping, evaluate, prioritize and develop strategies to address risks in a risk management plan that tracks throughout the project and provides accountability.

BREAKOUT 4 — Beyond NEPA Clearance: Managing Environmental Compliance During and After Construction
(Creekside)

Tracey Janus, Dennis Markwardt, Dr. Becki Perkins, Heath Zucha, and John Moravec, TxDOT
(Breakout Session 4 presentation, 6.1MB)

This breakout session will focus on programs and tools TxDOT uses to manage environmental compliance during the construction phase of our projects. We’ll present real life examples from recent TxDOT projects, and conduct a panel discussion with our “boots on the ground” — the DEQCs, to get a glimpse into what it takes to keep our projects moving forward all while protecting Texas’ natural resources.

A look into environmental compliance during construction:

• Discuss the Construction Stage Gate Checklist;
• Discuss SWAT visits;
• Include project examples;
• Discuss SMEs and how they play a part in construction;
• Discuss how inspectors and CE&Is play a role;
• Discuss updates and changes that result from the EPIC monitoring program. This is just a quick overview to let others know what we have coming up in the next year;
• Preventing Erosion During and After Construction through proper use of vegetation/and other erosion control measures; and
• Discuss best practices during construction and post-construction; how to make sure specs are being followed and watching for pit-falls; common mistakes and how to correct them.

CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS: 5-9

BREAKOUT 5 — The Beginning of the End of the “Big Bloated Technical Report”
(Capitol ABC)

Doug Booher, Clover Clamons, and Susan Shuffield, TxDOT
(Breakout Session 5 presentation, 3.3MB)

In our never ending quest to get rid of redundancy in the environmental review process, ENV is taking a different approach to how we handle “Technical Reports.” Our goal is to eliminate the all-inclusive AKA “Big Bloated Technical Report” in most circumstances. Come and hear how the process is changing for endangered and threatened species analyses, waters of the United States analysis, and community impacts assessment among others.

BREAKOUT 6 — Speed Learning Session
(Capitol D)

Various TxDOT SMEs

The goal of this breakout is to give participants a venue to learn from a variety of Subject Matter Experts (SME). The session is divided into six 10-minute segments allowing participants to receive more personal attention from the SMEs and more information in a short amount of time. This flexible format gives participants multiple opportunities to exchange thoughts and questions with the SMEs in a small group setting. The sessions will run concurrently with other speed learning sessions within the same room. Each speed learning session is assigned to a roundtable that holds 8–10 participants.

BREAKOUT 7 — FHWA Regulatory, Policy, and Guidance Updates From FHWA Headquarters
(Capitol E)

Owen Lindauer and Carolyn Nelson, FHWA
(Breakout Session 7 presentation 1, 4.0MB | Breakout Session 7 presentation 2, 1.9MB)

Owen Lindauer will make two presentations. The first will be on the recently updated FHWA NEPA and Section 4 (f) implementation regulations at 23 CFR 771 and 774. Owen will identify notable changes in the regulations that went into effect on Nov. 8, 2018, Then, Owen will be joined by Carolyn Nelson to discuss FHWA rule, policy, and guidance updates. The rule, policy, and guidance topics will cover the (1) NEPA substitution FAST Act Section 1309 provision, (2) EA/EIS Reporting Requirements for the Federal Permitting Dashboard, (3) FHWA’s Fiscal Constraint Requirement, and (4) Guidance on the CE for Limited Federal Assistance [C23] , Applicability of EO 13807 to NEPA Assignment States, and USDOT Guidance on FEIS/ROD + Errata Sheets.

BREAKOUT 8 — Data as Big as Texas: the MS4 Statewide Permit and the Don’t Mess with Texas Program
(Creekside)

Adrienne Boer and Catherine Cromer, TxDOT
(Breakout Session 8 Boer presentation, 375KB | Breakout Session 8 Cromer presentation, 493KB)

Data Trends from the Statewide MS4 Permit: Now in our third year of the Statewide MS4 Permit, this session will highlight data trends within urbanized areas across the state, including the Adopt-a-Highway program, Maintenance and Construction data, etc. This session will also include program research highlighted by the TRB Stormwater Committee.

Trash Talk: This presentation will provide analytics from the award-winning Don’t Mess with Texas program, the Adopt-a-Highway program, and Texas Trash Off. Just where does all this trash come from and what can we do about it? This session will help answer that question.

BREAKOUT 9 — Public Involvement Fireside Chat
(Capitol FGH)

Nicolle Kord, Hugo Hernandez, Leanna Sheppard, Stephanie Manry, Kimberly Amy, and Amy Redmond, TxDOT

Representatives from ENV, four TxDOT districts and the Public Involvement Office will participate in a “fireside chat” to discuss effective public involvement practices from real projects. The session will cover a variety of project types and sizes and will include examples from rural, urban, and metro districts. We will chat with staff from engineering, environmental and public involvement backgrounds who will describe how they developed their process and what made it successful.

Exhibits Open
(Capitol View Terrace/Foyer)

CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS: 10–13

BREAKOUT 10 — Corridor Planning
(Capitol ABC)

Susan Chavez and Steve Linhart, TxDOT
(Breakout Session 10 presentation, 5.6MB)

This presentation will focus on what corridor planning is, the benefits of corridor studies, and how these studies can be used to inform the next phase of project development. Examples of recent studies and how they have helped to progress project development will also be discussed.

BREAKOUT 11 — Introducing the New (and Improved) Community Impacts Technical Report Form
(Capitol D)

Nicolle Kord and Spencer Ward, TxDOT
(Breakout Session 11 and 25 presentation, 1.6MB)

TxDOT Community Impacts SMEs will conduct a Community Impacts Assessment on a mock-project using the new CIA Technical Report Form. They will go discuss best practices on scoping, public involvement, analysis, and documentation of community impacts.

BREAKOUT 12 — One Federal Decision
(Capitol E)

Diane Nulton, HDRand
Anne Rowe, FHWA
(Breakout Session 12 Nulton presentation, 3.6MB | Breakout Session 12 Rowe presentation, 421KB)

In recent years there has been a constant push to expedite the NEPA process. In this session, attendees will hear about the initiatives to expedite NEPA decisions including the recent August 2017 — Executive Order 13807: Establishing Discipline and Accountability in the Environmental Review and Permitting Process for Infrastructure Projects, and the One Federal Decision requirements included in the Executive Order. This presentation will allow participants to hear perspectives, ideas, tools and techniques that can be employed to comply with the requirements of the latest initiatives. Time will be left for interactive questions and answers.

BREAKOUT 13 — Beyond the Silt Fence: Using Your Tool Box for Stormwater Compliance
(Creekside)

Moderator: Barry Fagan, Volkert, Inc.
(Breakout Session 13 presentation, 4.4MB)

Panel:
Chris Cowen, TxDOT
TxDOT PEPS staff

Innovative Contracting for Construction Stormwater Management: Discussing project compliance methods used by Alabama DOT through alternative contracting methods.

Project Phasing to Improve Stormwater Compliance: Discussing concepts in achieving compliance through project phasing. TxDOT spec on project phasing

CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS: 14–18

BREAKOUT 14 — 2019 Noise Policy
(Capitol ABC)

Ray Umscheid and Meredith Worthen, TxDOT
(Breakout Session 14 and 23 presentation, 1.6MB)

This session will cover updates to TxDOT’s traffic noise analysis process as described in the 2019 Noise Policy and Noise Policy Implementation Guidance, including the effective date of the new policy. Policy changes include: requirements for validating existing models with field measurements, a minimum threshold for benefiting receptors for noise barrier feasibility determinations, new costs and optional processes for cost reasonableness determinations, and new noise workshop requirements. This session is designed for project managers and traffic noise practitioners.

BREAKOUT 15 — Water Resources Hot Topics
(Capitol D)

Susan Shuffield and Mario Mata, TxDOT
(Breakout Session 15 presentation, 4.0MB)

ENV staff will introduce newly-released water standards for preparing delineation reports statewide, obtaining mitigation credits statewide, and preparing PCNs and IPs in the USACE Galveston District.

BREAKOUT 16 — Acceleration of Project Delivery During NEPA and Planning/Environmental Linkages
(Capitol E)

Sharyn LaCombe, FTA
Anne Rowe, FHWA
(Breakout Session 16 presentation, 2.1MB)

This session will focus on the recent changes to FHWA and FTA’s Environmental regulations (23 CFR 771 and 23 CFR 774) and the Administration’s efforts to streamline the environmental review and permitting processes. USDOT representatives will also provide updates on the Federal Permitting Infrastructure Dashboard, One Federal Decision Making process, and the Section 106 Program Comment for Rail ROW.

BREAKOUT 17 — Grab Your Partner and Let’s Dance!
(Creekside)

Moderator: Layde Philips, TxDOT
(Breakout Session 17 presentation, 1.9MB)

Panel:
Chris Briggs, Robin Gelston, Kenneth Debord, David Young, David Stephens, and Chris Cowen, TxDOT

TxDOT and Contract Partnership: Analysis of compliance improvement since co-permittee requirement, communicating environmental during the preconstruction meeting and managing requirements during the construction process, and how to utilize inspections (SWP3/DEQC) and reporting results to ensure environmental requirements are met during construction.

EMS Communications 101 for U2: Review of management’s commitment to EMS and policy, District EMS communication (District Office, Area Office, Employees, Contractors), and summit meeting. Followed by panel discussion.

BREAKOUT 18 — History Happenings
(Capitol FGH)

Rebekah Dobrasko, TxDOT
(Breakout Session 18 presentation, 10.7MB)

In this breakout session aimed at historical studies consultants, participants will learn about the new and revised guidance from Historical Studies, especially on certain resources like roads and Post World War II residences, learn about recommended best practices for surveys, and provide input and feedback on potential new programmatic agreement requirements.

CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS: 19–23

BREAKOUT 19 — NEPA Challenges: Environmental Opposition to Collaboration and NEPA in the Urban Environment
(Capitol ABC)

Hilda Lafebre, Caltrans
(Breakout Session 19 Lafebre presentation, 3.2MB)

Leo Tidd, Louis Berger, Inc.

Buddy Desai, Jacobs Engineering Group
(Breakout Session 19 Desai presentation, 1.6MB)

Caltrans Los Gatos Creek Bridge Replacement Project: The case study presentation will highlight the key lessons learned with respect to interagency relationships and approaches and the number of opposing factors that challenged the timely completion of the project and its allocated budget.

Urban Freeways: The focus of urban environmental studies is very different than that of capacity improvements in suburban and rural contexts. This presentation discusses the unique issues found on urban NEPA studies.

BREAKOUT 20 — Wildlife Hot Topics
(Capitol D)

Moderator: Clover Clamons, TxDOT

Dr. John Young, Dr. Stirling Robertson, Dennis Palafox, and Andrew Blair, TxDOT
(Breakout Session 20 Hot Topic 1, 1.9MB | Breakout Session 20 Hot Topic 2, 450KB | Breakout Session 20 Hot Topic 3, 5.0MB | Breakout Session 20 Hot Topic 4, 1.4MB | Breakout Session 20 Hot Topic 5, 1.1MB)

TxDOT and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will present information related to Endangered Species Act consultations and provide updates on research efforts on wildlife crossings. Presentations include:

• Emergency Consultations: reviews USFWS emergency consultation process, defines emergency and provides a TxDOT project example.
• Section 7 Consultations for Plant Species: Best Practices for Expedited Review.
• Integrating Wildlife Crossings into TxDOT’s Planning and Design Process: Presents the findings of a recent project that are expected to help make wildlife crossing structure consideration and creation a regular part of TxDOT’s project development process and contribute to TxDOT’s role as a leading state DOT in reducing animal-vehicle conflict issues

BREAKOUT 21 — FHWA Session: Environmental Justice Considerations in the NEPA Process
(Capitol E)

Carolyn Nelson and Robert (Bob) Washington, FHWA

This session will help participants learn about the basic methodologies for considering environmental justice in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, as well as address state of the art practices for public involvement.

BREAKOUT 22 — Compliance by the Numbers
(Creekside)

Adrienne Boer, TxDOT

This presentation will provide an analysis of the compliance data from TCEQ from inspections, discussing trends and performance over the past 5 years.

BREAKOUT 23 — 2019 Noise Policy (REPEAT Session 14)
(Capitol FGH)
(Breakout Session 14 and 23 presentation, 1.6MB)

CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS: 24–27

BREAKOUT 24 — EIS Case Studies
(Capitol ABC)

Ben Goldsworthy and Charlie Webb, Jacobs Engineering Group
(Breakout Session 24 presentation, 3.1MB)

IH 80, IH 580, US 395 Freeway (NDOT): The Reno-Sparks area is experiencing a housing shortage and the cost of housing is rising while the availability is declining. This was a concern to NDOT as the preferred alternative results in 326 residential displacements (31% houses/ 69% apartments). This equates to about 600 minority residents and 300 low-income residents (residents displaced could be both minority and low-income). Many of these residences are part of the “missing middle”or affordable category of housing. To mitigate displaced residents NDOT and FHWA committed to mitigation beyond what the Uniform Act requires.

IH 94 East-West (WisDOT): This segment of IH 94 lies entirely within the City of Milwaukee. This 3-mile corridor has more than its fair share of major constraints. The bulk of the presentation will focus on the project team’s steps to address as many concerns as possible expressed by public and special interest groups to craft a consensus. Traditional techniques like small-group meetings were held but also included the use of innovative visualization methods like project scale models and helium balloons to give an indication of the height of the freeway.

BREAKOUT 25 — Introducing the New (and Improved) Community Impacts Technical Report Form (REPEAT Session 11)
(Capitol D)
(Breakout Session 11 and 25 presentation, 1.6MB)

BREAKOUT 26 — What’s Hot in Your District
(Capitol E)

Moderator: Sue Theiss, TxDOT

Panel: TxDOT District Environmental Representatives

Join us for a fast-paced session where TxDOT Districts will provide a 2-minute highlight of challenges or issues they are facing, best practices they’ve identified, curious/interesting things happening in their area, or other interesting topics. This session is meant to be an ice-breaker and encourage discussions outside the session over the course of the conference

BREAKOUT 27 — Compliance Chats
(Creekside)

Panel:
David Nuckels and MNT staff, TxDOT
(Breakout Session 27 presentation 1, 7.7MB | Breakout Session 27 presentation 2, 19.7MB)

TCEQ PST Investigations — Best Practices and Words of Wisdom for a Successful Investigation!: Cover the basic items that TCEQ requires us to have — records, paperwork, etc. and how we’ve seen “good” examples on how to keep this information in order. Best practices for “Good Housekeeping” regarding the onsite and OUTSIDE aspects of their PST systems. Common pitfalls to watch out for (letting an ATG go unrepaired for a while, not keeping the spreadsheets up to date, etc.)

It’s My First Day! Making Sure Your Facility Stays in Compliance: This presentation will cover the environmental compliance components of a TxDOT facility survey. How do you prepare for a visit, what type of compliance is required, what best practices can be followed, including salt and brine use and pollution prevention.

Panel Discussion

Exhibits Open
(Capitol View Terrace/Foyer)

STORMWATER FIELD TRIP
Tracey Janus, TxDOT

This field trip will take participants to an active construction site at FM 2222 (or similar) to see stormwater BMPs in action and to review the project’s EPICs. Think of it as a mini Construction Stage Gate “how-to” session. We’ll have an activity in the field, so don’t forget your PPE.

BREAK
(Exhibit Area)