Nebraska's Environment
NDOR's Commitment to Conservation

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Background

In 1972, the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration directed highway departments across the nation to develop procedures which would assure that proper consideration of environmental values were incorporated into the planning and design of highway projects.

Nebraska was one of three pilot states to develop an ActionPlan insuring full consideration of the economic, social and environmental effects of highway projects, thus insuring that decisions made on such projects are made in the best overall public interest. Nebraska’s Action Plan was accepted and approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration on June 13, 1973.

In the 33 years since the implementation of the Action Plan, NDOR has been addressing environmental issues, which have expanded considerably, and which today present numerous challenges. NDOR continues to meet the challenges. On this website, we'll examine some significantaccomplishments and new/ongoing programs in several environmental areas.

Environmental Section Responsibilities

The NDOR Environmental Section is part of the Project Planning & Development Division, and is responsible for:

• Evaluation of social, economic and environmental impacts of road construction projects. Obtaining project approvals from the Federal Highway Administration on projects with federal involvement. Preparation of environmental studies and evaluation documents for road construction projects, in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Providing liaison between the Department, government agencies, consultants and the public on environmental issues.

• Providing liaison with the Paleontological and Archaeological Highway Salvage Program. Coordination between the Nebraska State Historical Preservation Office and the Nebraska Department of Roads, regarding preservation of historic bridges.

• Coordinating with the U.S. Corps of Engineers and other agencies for permit acquisition when projects involve waterways, wetlands and floodplains. Identification and development of wetland mitigation sites, including establishment of wetland mitigation banks.

• Preparing seeding, erosion control and landscaping plans and specifications for roadside and Departmental property grounds improvement and maintenance.

Noise and Air Section Responsibilities

Noise Policy

The Noise & Air Section is responsible for:

• Performing noise and air quality studies to determine the environmental impact of projects.

• Preparing final noise reports.

• Designing noise abatement solutions.

• Conducting public hearings to address noise and air impacts.

Contacts