Updated August 29, 2022 | complete program
| Tuesday, September 20 | |
|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
Registration Desk Open |
| 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. |
Continental Breakfast |
| 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
Exhibits Open |
| 9:00 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. |
WELCOME Doug Booher, ENV Division Director Changing Population and Transportation in Texas Shifts in the population’s size, characteristics, and distribution have implications for transportation. Recent trends in the demographic change in and across Texas will be examined in the context of transportation. |
| 10:20 a.m. – 10:35 a.m. |
BREAK |
| 10:35 a.m. – 12:00 noon |
GENERAL SESSION Discussion on Environmental Justice The panel will have an open discussion and take questions on how TxDOT can improve current practice on identifying and addressing project effects on minority and low-income populations to achieve an equitable distribution of benefits and burdens. The discussion will look to focus on methods of providing full and fair participation by all potentially affected communities in the transportation decision-making process. Environmental Affairs Awards Video |
| 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m. |
LUNCH |
| 1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. |
CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS: 1–5 BREAKOUT 1 — The Tribal Histories Project Scott Pletka, TxDOT TxDOT and tribal representatives will present an overview of the Tribal Histories Project. They will describe this project and discuss how the products generated from it can be used to proactively evaluate project effects. BREAKOUT 2 — Discussion on Traffic Data for Air Quality and Traffic Noise Analyses David Freidenfeld, Janie Temple, Tim Wood, and Meredith Worthen, TxDOT TPP staff will provide an overview of how traffic data are developed and ENV staff will discuss how traffic data projections are used for air and noise analyses for transportation projects. Discussion will be followed by questions from the audience. BREAKOUT 3 — Local Government Projects Best Practices for Environmental Compliance Amanda Allen and Jamye Sawey, TxDOT In this session, we will discuss the critical touch points for environmental compliance within the overall development and delivery of local government projects. We will also highlight some examples of lessons learned and best practices that have been implemented by the Fort Worth district. BREAKOUT 4 — Statewide Resiliency Plan Overview and DES Division Perspective on Resiliency Carlos Calle and Rosemarie Klee, TxDOT The first-ever Statewide Resiliency Plan is currently under development, under the leadership of the TPP Division, in collaboration with several districts and divisions. The DES Division is a close partner (along with the ENV Division and others), and will share additional perspective on how we are examining resilience in the context of project design and development processes. BREAKOUT 5 — OPEN |
| 2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. |
BREAK |
| 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS: 6-10 BREAKOUT 6 — OPEN BREAKOUT 7 — Endangered Species Hot Topics Conferencing under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act Section 7 conferencing provides an opportunity to coordinate potential impacts from federal actions on species proposed for listing through coordination with USFWS. This presentation will provide a general overview of section 7 conferencing from the USFWS perspective with examples from Texas. FM 766 from Initial Presence/Absence Surveys to Relocation – A Lesson in Take Assessments The State embarked on a year-long project that included initial freshwater mussel presence/absence surveys in October 2021, formal conference with the USFWS, and a multi-pass depletion salvage effort within proposed critical habitat along the Guadalupe River in July 2022. The project team worked closely to develop a novel methodology for determining take limits for two federally proposed mussel species using the Phase I/II presence/absence data collected during initial surveys. This project represents an interesting case study for how even informed data collection can provide a biased assessment of population estimates within a project-specific timescale. Big River Woes – Challenges and Solutions to Mussel Surveys and Conferencing on Large Rivers Projects with large aquatic impacts will continue to present challenges regarding consultation and surveys. An important aspect to completing consultations on large-impact projects include properly delineating mussel habitats to determine accurate take estimates. Utilizing fine scale data collected during a Phase 1 and Phase 2 survey is beneficial and necessary to provide concise estimates of impacts and take estimates. Breaking Ground with Programmatic Conferences Programmatic conferences compound the challenges posed by implementing a relatively novel regulatory compliance approach with those posed by working with a species (or set of species) for which the science is still evolving. SWCA reviews lessons learned from its work with TxDOT on individual project conferences and a statewide programmatic conference for freshwater mussels in Texas. Challenges, solutions, and lessons learned prepared by other states and agencies. BREAKOUT 8 — Perfecting the Public Involvement Process Road Map Panel: Susan Howard, Seth Howard, and District SMEs, TxDOT Are you ready for your PI journey but don’t always know what road to take? Join the Public Involvement Section as they host a roundtable discussion and Q&A to help you perfect your PI planning process. Along for the ride will be subject matter experts from the Bryan, Houston, Abilene and El Paso districts. So join us for some knowledge and takeaways that just might help you avoid those PI pitfalls! BREAKOUT 9 — Epochs of EPICs – Post Clearance/Pre-Construction/During Construction Moderator: Tracey Janus, TxDOT This panel of subject matter experts will discuss how to manage cultural resources before and during construction. BREAKOUT 10 — How Much Time to Complete Archeology Activities? Brittney Gregory, TxDOT TxDOT staff will provide guidance on the expected duration of various archeological investigation activities. This guidance will help project managers develop realistic and attainable clearance schedules. |
| 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
TxDOT EMPLOYEE TOWNHALL |
| 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
EXHIBITS/RECEPTION/POSTER SESSION |
| Wednesday, September 21 | |
| 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
Registration Desk Open |
| 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. |
Continental Breakfast |
| 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
Exhibits Open |
| 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. |
CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS: 11–15 BREAKOUT 11 — Mastering Public Involvement Using Innovative and Digital Solutions Kimberly Sims and Christi Vitello, HNTB We will explore how public involvement strategies can be applied in our post-pandemic world using innovative approaches paired with digital solutions. We will discuss equitable event strategies and methods that have been utilized by projects, explore how utilizing innovative approaches to gathering engagement data provides project teams a way to understand and assess the stakeholders, and show how these solutions can provide a project team the insight needed to identify engagement gaps, allowing them to adjust strategies. BREAKOUT 12 — Tales of Toads and Trenches Mark Fisher, Brittney Gregory, and Barbara Obelgoner, TxDOT This talk will highlight the intersection of archaeology and endangered species presenting expectations and a practical example. Focus will be on Yoakum district and ENV sections working together to satisfy distinct and rarely combined NEPA requirements. BREAKOUT 13 — Prepping for Futures Unknown: Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases Sonya Hernandez, Mimi Horn and Jackie Ploch, TxDOT This panel session will discuss pilot projects with the Austin District, El Paso District and ENV to develop a project-level Climate Change and GHG Technical Report and answer audience questions. We’ll also offer a peak at draft tools under development (Tech Report Template, Climate Talking Points, Climate Sharepoint site, and other surprises). If federal policy has been issued by the ECC, that too will be covered! BREAKOUT 14 — Integrating Unmanned Aerial Systems into Environmental Affairs Sergio Roman, TxDOT An overview of the rules and regulations surrounding UAS, their utilization on environmental projects, and the adoption of UAS within TxDOT. BREAKOUT 15 — Air Quality Conformity Report Form Best Practices Glendora Lopez, TxDOT This session will demonstrate how to prepare the Conformity Report Form, including the ENV validation review and appropriate attachments. Learn how the air quality team reviews the Conformity Report Form and see exemplars. |
| 10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | BREAK (Exhibit Area) |
| 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 noon |
CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS: 16–20 BREAKOUT 16 — Coming Soon? Preview of the Future! Traffic Noise Model 3 Ray Umscheid and Meredith Worthen, TxDOT This session will preview and demonstrate use of Traffic Noise Model (TNM) version 3, the future replacement for the currently required TNM 2.5 software. Note: TNM 3 is NOT approved for use on TxDOT projects. BREAKOUT 17 — PEL Fireside Chat: From PEL to NEPA – The HOW and WHY Amy Redmond and Anita Bradley, TxDOT Join us as we have a high-level conversation about Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Studies. We will discuss what makes a PEL unique, agency and stakeholder involvement, types of projects suitable for a PEL, and the differences between “inform vs. adopt.” As we open up the floor, topics such as what can be saved in terms of years and BREAKOUT 18 — Environmental Affairs Contracting Process Lauren Young, TxDOT This presentation is designed for TxDOT ENV project managers, TxDOT district environmental staff, and TxDOT ENV consultants to gain a broader understanding or serve as a refresher on ENV contracts, including roles/responsibilities and helpful tips to navigate the contracting process. BREAKOUT 19 — A Day in the Life of a TxDOT Inspector – Ensuring Compliance on TxDOT Jobs Heather Carman, TxDOT This session will go over common BMPs used to comply with the CGP and EPIC requirements. BREAKOUT 20 — Asbestos and Lead-in-Paint Abatement Updates Terry Dempsey and Douglass Mack, TxDOT This session will review the new and updated asbestos and lead-in-paint abatement guidance documents. Additionally, we will discuss the different contracting options available for district to abate asbestos and lead-in-paint on TxDOT bridges. |
| 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m. |
LUNCH |
| 1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. |
CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS: 21–25 BREAKOUT 21 — Air Quality Updates Tim Wood, TxDOT This session will provide an update of changes coming down the regulatory pipeline and what to expect for air quality compliance in the future. BREAKOUT 22 — Overview of TxDOT’s Environmental Review Process (Part 1 of 2) Patrick Lee and Mike Chavez, TxDOT This presentation is designed for transportation professionals who would like to better understand TxDOT’s environmental review process for highway projects. It is intended to BREAKOUT 23 — Workshop: New SWP3 Guidance and Template (Part 1 of 2) Heather Carman and Tracey Janus, TxDOT This workshop will cover the new SWP3 guidance document, summary sheet, and binder templates. BREAKOUT 24 — Emerging Research on Biological Resources Use of Highway Infrastructure as Night Roosts by Bats in the Trans-Pecos Ecoregion of Texas This talk will present new results using acoustic detection methods to characterize bat night roosting on bridges in the Trans-Pecos. Effect of Microsite Characteristics on Roost Selection by Bats in Bridges in the Trans-Pecos This talk will present new results about how bats select microclimates for roosting locations on 13 bridges in the Trans-Pecos. Repatriation of Illegally Collected Alligator Snapping Turtles Back to Native Texas Waters This talk will discuss efforts to reintroduce alligator snapping turtles that were seized from poachers into their native Texas watersheds, and post-release monitoring efforts. Multiyear Monitoring of a Wildlife Road Mortality Mitigation Project on SH 100 in Cameron County, Texas In May 2018, construction completed on a 6.9-mile wildlife road mitigation project which included multiple new underpass structures, wildlife guards, wing walls, a modified culvert, and 6.9 miles of continuous fencing. Monitoring of the mitigation structures with wildlife cameras was continuous for over 4 years. Many of the native wildlife species have benefited greatly from the construction of the wildlife crossing structures and helped evaluate their effectiveness for future road mitigation projects in Texas and around the world. BREAKOUT 25 — Section 4(f) Roadmap: Journey to Compliance Michelle Lueck and Rebekah Dobrasko, TxDOT Section 4(f) is a crucial element of the environmental review process. This session will address the Section 4(f) process for parks and historic properties and resources available to assist in identifying and preparing the appropriate documentation. Learn about appropriate timeframes, successful mitigation, and hear case studies to help you along your journey! |
| 2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m |
BREAK |
| 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS: 26–29 BREAKOUT 26 — What’s the Deal with Water? Water Hot Topics Come learn what the experts have to say about the current state of regulatory changes, USACE permitting, and water-related TxDOT guidance. Predictive Wetland Model – Come Demo a Model in the Making Watch a demo of TxDOT ENV’s model for predicting wetland and stream mitigation needs! Coming soon to a district near you! BREAKOUT 27 — Overview of TxDOT’s Environmental Review Process (Part 2 of 2) Patrick Lee and Mike Chavez, TxDOT Continuation of Part 1. Part 2 will focus on the process by which TxDOT uses its Environmental Compliance Oversight System (ECOS) to document compliance with these laws. BREAKOUT 28 — Workshop: New SWP3 Guidance and Template (Part 2 of 2) Heather Carman and Tracey Janus, TxDOT Continuation of workshop covering the new SWP3 guidance document, summary sheet, and binder templates. BREAKOUT 29 — Environmental Affairs Film Festival Moderators: Rebekah Dobrasko and Jennifer Carpenter, TxDOT Join Beyond The Road as we celebrate some of TxDOT’s accomplishments via film! Learn about the engineering of Harbor Bridge and see clips from its 1959 construction. Go back in time to visit a stop on the Chisholm Trail in Denton, and more!. The producers and creators of some of ENV’s recent films will be on hand to give behind-the-scenes glimpses into this powerful outreach medium. |
| Thursday, September 22 | |
| 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon |
Registration Desk Open |
| 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon |
Exhibits Open |
| 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. |
Continental Breakfast |
| 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon |
FIELD TRIP OPTION 1: Mustang Creek Mitigation Bank and Available Permittee-Responsible Mitigation Site |
| 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon |
FIELD TRIP OPTION 2: Cedar Hill State Park Habitat Tour and Networking Walk |