Environmental Impact Assessment of I-77 Toll Lanes

This report presents an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the I-77 Toll Lanes project near Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. It discusses the potential negative impacts on the environment and provides recommendations for impact management and mitigation strategies.

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Running head: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF I-77 TOLL LANES
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF I-77 TOLL
LANES
[Author]
[Institution]

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF I-77 TOLL LANES
Executive Summary
This Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) is developed near the Charlotte city, North
Carolina, USA. The learner has primarily focused on the I-77 Toll lanes project that is going to
be finished in the end of 2018. From the EIA, it is observed that this project is going to affect the
environmental factors of this area, which should be taken to notice. It is observed that Ozone
pollution in this area might create negative impact on the ecological substances available in this
area. Furthermore, it is also important to maintain the vegetation and wildlife, which are going to
be in danger after completion of this project. In this report, impact assessment and management
of such impacts have been discussed in detail. From this assessment, recommendation for
lighting strategy, creation of buffer spaces and mitigation strategies have been discussed in this
report. Furthermore, limitation of this report is also discussed as recommendation to broaden the
boundary and mixed data collection methods have been instructed in the Environmental Impact
Assessment Report.

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF I-77 TOLL LANES
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................5
Overview of the highway project....................................................................................................5
Rationale for the current project......................................................................................................7
Screening of the project...................................................................................................................8
Scoping and baseline assessment.....................................................................................................9
Description of the environment....................................................................................................9
Soils types and geologic hazards.................................................................................................9
Hydrology..................................................................................................................................10
Ecology......................................................................................................................................10
Valued Ecosystem Components (VECs)...................................................................................10
Atmosphere of Charlotte, North Carolina..................................................................................11
Jurisdiction involved in the protection of Nature in Charlotte, North Carolina........................13
Setting boundaries......................................................................................................................14
Impact assessment.........................................................................................................................15
Impact management.......................................................................................................................16
Significance determination............................................................................................................17
EIS statement.................................................................................................................................18

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Recommendations and decision....................................................................................................18
Implementation and follow-up......................................................................................................19
Reference List................................................................................................................................20

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF I-77 TOLL LANES
Introduction
This report aims to develop an appropriate Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA),
which can be presented against a highway project in Charlotte, North Carolina. EIA has been
interpreted as an activity, which is designed to forecast the influence of any programs and
operational procedures on nature. According to RE (1975), EIA can be identified as a significant
procedure that determines the environmental consequences of a proposed initiative. In this
report, the same approach has been taken, which helped the learner to identify potential impacts
of ongoing projects in Charlotte, USA. This entire report follows the basic structure of EIA,
which has been considered from the work of Noble & Press (2011).
Overview of the highway project
The project, which is considered in this report is Interstate 77 toll lanes (I-77), which
started from Lake Norman to Charlotte in the year of 2015 and expected to finish by 2018. It is
observed that this project looks after in developing more 26 miles of managed lanes along with I-
77 and I-277 by connecting Mecklenburg and Iredell. Besides this, it is also addressed that this
project is aimed to develop two 17.1 miles of hot lanes, which will be opened for both directions
(Marusak, 2018). It is the Public-Private Partnership (P3) project, and the officials have claimed
that this project will improve the mobility and reliability of travel time through the I-77 corridor
to the North direction of Charlotte. The following table highlights some additional description of
this project, which is essential to state before the EIA of this project.
Funding Sources  $100 million from Senior PABs
 $3.6 million by Bond premium

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF I-77 TOLL LANES
 $94.7 million grant from Public funds
 $189 million achieved from TIFIA loan
Project delivery method Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain
Project participants The Louis Berger Group, W.C. English, F.A. Southeast, and
Cintra Infrastructures, S.A
Table 1: Overview of the highway project
(Source: Transportation.gov, 2018)
Figure 1: Map of the highway project
(Source: Transport.gov, 2018)
Nevertheless, some issues have been observed during the development of the plan, which
has allowed the learner to undertake an EIA. It is noted that drivers are angry with this project as
late night and early morning construction process, creates huge traffic congestion in this area.

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF I-77 TOLL LANES
Therefore, lack of backups has created human issues regarding this project. Although, some
crucial influences of this highway project, went unnoticed. As identified by Noble & Press
(2011) construction projects influence environmental surroundings of project sites effectively.
Focusing on this interpretation, this report is aimed to determine the influences of the I-77
highway project on the environment of surroundings. Also, developing possible ideas for
eliminating the environmental risk factors are also another aim of this project.
Rationale for the current project
The EIA project conducted by the learner is essential in identifying the current environmental
problems that are getting raised in the I-77 project location. The primary reason behind crafting
this project is to protect the ecology of the area, where this highway project is developing. It is
identified that air pollution and other pollutions such as noise pollution, pollution caused by
transports, Ozone pollution are influencing the ecological system of the city of Charlotte. For this
reason, the learner has undertaken the current project, which has the following objectives:
 Identification of environmental problems in the Charlotte area
 Interpretation of the potential impacts of the I-77 project
 Identification of impact management and mitigation strategies
 Recommendations for the ongoing project
It can be said that this EIA project will become beneficial from multiple perspectives. These
include:
1. Identification of potential hazards, which can be generated from a highway project
2. Possible steps that are to be taken to nullify the issues of a highway project

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Screening of the project
To identify, whether this project is subject to an EIA, various regulations have been reviewed by
focusing on The National Environmental Policy Act 1969 (NEPA). The Clean Air Act 1970
reflects on limiting air emissions and setting National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
According to section 112 of this act, any project or program should look after reducing the
maximum level of hazardous air pollutants from the site location. According to the Air Quality
Index in this area, a moderate score of 55 has been identified (Airnow.gov, 2018). This is a clear
indication that the highway project should consider some steps to reduce the air pollution level of
this area. A recent report has highlighted that Ozone pollution of Charlotte is getting increased as
this city received an ‘F' for ozone pollution, which is a clear indication of the health risk of living
things nearby this city (Wsoctv.com, 2018).
Figure 2: AQI of Charlotte
(Source: Airnow.gov, 2018)

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF I-77 TOLL LANES
Besides the air pollution level in the Charlotte area, noise pollution level should also be
considered as noise pollution influences the well-being of animals significantly. According to the
legislation order number 844 of Code City of Charlotte, North Carolina (1997), it is unlawful to
operate amplified sound of more than 55 dB between 9 AM to 9 PM (Section 15 (a) (i))
(Nonoise.org, 2018). Also, section 15-71 of this legislation highlights that it is unlawful to use
high amplified noise in areas where animals live (Epa.gov, 2018). Therefore, animals in the zoo
of Charlotte and pets might have been affected due to the construction process of the highway.
From the above interpretation, it is justified that the I-77 project near the city of
Charlotte, is subjected to an EIA. Therefore, this EIA project has been developed by focusing on
the scoping and baseline assessment activities.
Scoping and baseline assessment
Scoping has been identified as a crucial process to identify the key issues, which should
be considered in the evaluation (Onat, Kucukvar & Tatari, 2014). In this context, it is essential to
conduct a baseline assessment of current conditions and trends in the existing project.
Description of the environment
This EIA project will be crucial as it will have a massive impact on the environment as
EIA of I-77 highway, which is situated near Charlotte.
Soils types and geologic hazards
It is identified that Cecil soils are present in the North Carolina region. Cecil soils covered
approximately 1.6 million acres in this state. Besides this, earthquake has been observed as a
significant hazard in this area. It is noted that almost 99% chance of shock has been identified.

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Furthermore, 15700 known faults have been observed in this area that causes massive
earthquakes (Illionis.edu, 2018).
Hydrology
Multiple water resources are available in the state of Carolina. These include:
 Carolina Dams Database
 Gazetteer of Surface Waters of Carolina
Besides these, there are different types of water filtration facilities are available in the city of
Charlotte, which will be considered for the development of the EIA procedure.
Ecology
The state of Carolina has a tremendous ecological system with a variety of plants
included eucalyptus, acacia, Contra Costa. However, critics have identified Contra Costa as the
endangered species in this area. Besides this, different type of mammals also evidenced near the
city of Charlotte. Examples can be drawn from chipmunk, Sierra Chicakree, blue-footed jay,
bighorn sheep and much more. According to Brandt, Bernhardt, Dwyer & Di Giulio (2017),
aquatic life of North Carolina is also very crucial for maintaining the environmental equilibrium.
Therefore, the availability of a wide range of trout fishes has created a well-developed ecological
system in this area.
Valued Ecosystem Components (VECs)
Various numbers of endangered species have been observed in the Charlotte city, North
Carolina. It is noted that the Government, has taken massive initiatives to protect the following
species:

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 Florida Scrub-Jay
 Wading bird species
 Sea turtles
 Eastern indigo snakes
 Gopher tortoise (Charlotte Country Florida, 2018)
These protected species possess a massive significance in the ecology of this city. It is
observed that Florida scrub-jay breeds in a pair and has now become an endangered species due
to rapid industrialization taking place (Birdsna.org, 2018). The same is also applicable for other
species listed in this segment. Hence, it is the responsibility of citizens to protect these species
for maintaining equilibrium in the ecosystem. As identified by Gascon et al. (2015) exclusion of
any endangered species posit a massive impact on the food chain. Hence, it can be interpreted
that conservation of such species is highly required in the project site.
Atmosphere of Charlotte, North Carolina
In this segment, the average temperature of Charlotte has been given. This will allow the
learner to understand the climate of the project site. It is identified that climate change in any
area imposes a massive impact on the lifestyle of living things. Hence, the I-77 project in
Charlotte might influence the climate, which should be reviewed by the team. The average
maximum and minimum temperature of Charlotte are given below:
Month The average high in
°F
The average low in °F
January 51 30
February 55 33

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF I-77 TOLL LANES
March 63 39
April 72 47
May 79 56
June 86 65
July 89 68
August 87 67
September 81 60
October 72 49
November 62 39
December 53 52
Table 2: Maximum and Minimum average temperature in Charlotte
(Source: Usclimatedata.com, 2018)

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF I-77 TOLL LANES
Figure 2: Charlotte Climate Graph
(Source: Usclimatedata.com, 2018)
Besides this, humidity also plays an essential factor in maintaining the environment of Charlotte.
It is identified that humidity level remains high at 7:00 AM (89.4%) and remains low at 4:00 PM
(54.8%). Also, an average of 73% of humidity can be found in this city. Hence, increasing air,
water, and noise pollution in the project area will influence the humidity level, significantly.
Jurisdiction involved in the protection of Nature in Charlotte, North Carolina
Following laws are developed to protect natural resources and animals in Charlotte city. These
are:
 Clean Water Act
 Clean Air Act

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF I-77 TOLL LANES
 Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act
 Endangered Species Act
Finally, it is essential to state that this scoping and baseline assessment is done through
secondary research. The primary reason behind the secondary analysis is to demonstrate the EIA,
appropriately. According to Quinlan, Babin, Carr & Griffin (2018), secondary research is
essential as no issue of bias can be found in secondary sources. The learner has taken data from
authentic sources, which helped to develop the baseline assessment and scoping properly.
Setting boundaries
Although, the I-77 project is spread into a wide area from Lake Norman to Charlotte. Hence, it is
impossible for the learner to conduct the EIA of the entire highway. Therefore, this project will
focus on the northern part of Charlotte. The principle behind setting boundaries is to narrow
down the focus, which will help to develop a better EIA. Parameters of limitations are:
Spatial boundaries This EIA is entirely done near the northern side of Charlotte,
North Carolina. No environmental factors are considered behind
this area
Temporal boundaries This entire EIA is done within a time span of four weeks. No
data is collected before and after this period
Jurisdictional boundaries The learner has followed the laws of Charlotte city and
regulations of other states are not considered in this EIA
Table 3: Parameters of limits
(Source: Self-developed)

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF I-77 TOLL LANES
Timeline for the EIA
Figure 3: Timeline of EIA
(Source: Self-developed)
Impact assessment
Focusing on the factors, it can be said that that the I-77 project, which is supposed to be finished
in 2018, influenced the environment of this city. As identified by Viadero & Fortney (2015), a
highway project in a sensitive ecological area needs proper EIA, as, without an appropriate
assessment, a habitat of that area might elope, which scholars have addressed, will not be
beneficial for humanity. Hence, this stated project has the following potential impacts on the
environment of Charlotte city, North Carolina.
Project Activities Potential impacts that need to be assessed
Construction phase  Destruction of vegetation near the Charlotte

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 Reduction of wildlife habitat and threat for endangered
species like Indigo snake and much more
Operation phase  Disruption of wildlife migration
 Due to heavy noise, animal behavior might be changed.
 Tremendous traffic activity might kill living animals in
unprotected places
Table 4: Impact assessment of the I-77 highway project
Impact management
In this segment mitigation, strategies for habitats are discussed. It is observed that the project
stakeholders should focus on the following procedure, which might play a significant role in
conserving species in the Charlotte area.
Species Mitigation strategies
Bats No bat roots are identified during the project site examination. However, the
lighting strategy can be proposed by the authority to fulfill the requirements of a
dark sky. It is found that due to clearance of woods and plants, bats might face
problems while surviving. Besides this, landscape strategies can be developed by
the authority, which might help to save bats by creating a structure or trap for bats
Reptiles It is identified that Indigo snake is one of the endangered species in this area. For
this reason, it is important to clear these snakes under a thorough ecological brief.
This strategy will help to save this species and humans also
Birds It is essential to develop a better plan for birds as Florida Scrub-Jay is an
endangered species found in this area. Therefore, these birds should be removed

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with the help of the Bird rescue team of this area.
Plants No mitigation strategy is proposed for plants.
Table 5: Mitigation strategies for endangered species in Charlotte
Significance determination
After reviewing the site, some adverse ecological aspects have been identified. Those potential
adverse ecological impacts have been discussed. It is identified that destruction of vegetation is
the potential impact of the project near the Charlotte city. Besides this, some other potential
ecological feature have also been observed in this report.
Important ecological feature Potential impact Significance (In absence of
mitigation)
Bats This might develop restrain in
progressing this project. In
addition, this species will also
be at risk during the highway
project
Highly significant. This
species maintain
environmental balance in this
area
Indigo Snake This is termed as an
endangered species by the
Federal Government.
Therefore, it is important to
reserve this species
Significant, absence of Indigo
Snake might affect the
environment directly
Vegetation I-77 project might have
destructed the vegetation near
Vegetation is important for
animals to survive. Absence

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the Chalotte area. of vegetation might put the
entire ecology at risk
Table 6: Adverse ecological impacts
EIS statement
Identifying the above discussion on the above statement, following EIS has been
developed for this project:
“The Project stakeholders should focus on the vegetation, birds and other endangered species
before initiating the Toll Lanes project. Hence, an extensive ecological assessment is
recommended.”
Recommendations and decision
After demonstrating an EIA in the Charlotte area, it can be said that the project should
not proceed further, without a further environmental discussion with professionals. It is identified
that I-77 project is getting developed for the betterment of the public transport. Although, it is
also identified that this project has started to influence the ecological aspects of this selected site.
Hence, it is recommended that a 20Km buffer area should be developed by the project
stakeholders to preserve endangered species and vegetation of this area. In addition,
recommendation for developing a lighting strategy with the help of experts can also be
considered in this project. This strategy will help to protect Bats. Besides this, the project
officials may also mitigate those endangered species to protect the environment significantly.

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Implementation and follow-up
Despite such developed EIA, it can be said that this research is developed only Northern
direction of Charlotte, North Carolina. Therefore, it is recommended that other ecological
sensitive areas, associated with this project should also be reviewed critically. In this regard, it is
important to follow up this assessment through primary research also. It will help learners to
determine the differences between two major approaches.

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Reference List
Airnow.gov (2018). AQI status of Charlotte. Retrieved from https://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?
action=airnow.local_city&cityid=110
Birdsna.org (2018). Florida Scrub-Jay. Retrieved from
https://birdsna.org/Species-Account/bna/species/flsjay/introduction
Brandt, J. E., Bernhardt, E. S., Dwyer, G. S., & Di Giulio, R. T. (2017). Selenium ecotoxicology
in freshwater lakes receiving coal combustion residual effluents: A North Carolina
example. Environmental science & technology, 51(4), 2418-2426.
Charlotte Country Florida (2018). Endangered Species. Retrieved from
https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/services/naturalresources/Pages/Protected-
Species.aspx
Epa.gov. (2018). Summary of the Clean Air Act. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/laws-
regulations/summary-clean-air-act
Gascon, C., Brooks, T. M., Contreras-MacBeath, T., Heard, N., Konstant, W., Lamoreux, J., ... &
Al Mubarak, R. K. (2015). The importance and benefits of species. Current
Biology, 25(10), R431-R438.
Illionis.edu (2018). Cecil-North Carolina State Soil. Retrieved from
https://extension.illinois.edu/soil/st_soils/nc_soil.htm

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Marusak, J. (2018). These Charlotte road projects will finally be done in 2018. The Charlotte
Observer. [Online]. Retrieved from
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article192720134.html
Noble, B. F., & Press, D. (2011). Introduction to environmental impact assessment. The
Canadian Geographer/Le Géographe canadien, 56(1), 142-153.
Nonoise.org (2018). Article three-Noise. Retrieved from
http://www.nonoise.org/lawlib/cities/charlott.htm
Onat, N. C., Kucukvar, M., & Tatari, O. (2014). Scope-based carbon footprint analysis of US
residential and commercial buildings: An input–output hybrid life cycle assessment
approach. Building and Environment, 72, 53-62.
Quinlan, C., Babin, B., Carr, J., & Griffin, M. (2018). Business research methods. South Western
Cengage.
RE, M. (1975). Environmental Impact Assessment-Principles and Procedures. London: John
Wiley and Sons.
Transportation.gov (2018). I-77 Hot lanes project. Retrieved from
https://www.transportation.gov/tifia/financed-projects/i-77-hot-lanes-project
Usclimatedata.com (2018). Climate Charlotte-North Carolina. Retrieved from
https://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/charlotte/north-carolina/united-states/usnc0121
Viadero Jr, R. C., & Fortney, R. H. (2015). Water-Quality Assessment and Environmental
Impact Minimization for Highway Construction in a Miningimpacted Watershed: The
Beaver Creek Drainage. Southeastern Naturalist, 14(sp7), 112-120.

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Wsoctv.com (2018). New air quality report gives Charlotte 'F' for ozone pollution. Retrieved
from https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/new-air-quality-report-finds-charlottes-ozone-
pollution-worsened/734000637