Environmental

NEPA Documentation

The Qk4 environmental team has qualified staff who understand the legal and environmental issues and processes necessary to conduct the tasks required for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation, including the National Historic Preservation Act’s (NHPA) Section 106 process. Highway-related Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact (EA/FONSI) and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) required under NEPA are needed to:

  1. Guide the decision-making process.
  2. Analyze and document comprehensive environmental issues for various alternatives, including taking no action.
  3. Incorporate extensive public involvement.
  4. Document the final decision and mitigation commitments, if any.
Noise Studies

Qk4 uses the most current version of the Federal Highway Administration’s Traffic Noise Model (TNM2.5) to conduct transportation-related noise studies. In addition, our staff has years of experience in field work to support noise studies: taking accurate, real-time measurements of existing traffic noise, and conducting traffic counts for total volume and vehicle class. Our staff is familiar with Federal and state highway noise policies and procedures, and can produce well-documented traffic noise studies in a timely manner. Qk4 enjoys a high esteem among the agencies from which we have worked.
By actively participating in meetings with people who may be affected by traffic noise, Qk4 takes the time to listen to their concerns and explain the process to those who wish to know a little more. While we perform this work for state highway agencies, who are our primary clients, we are also mindful of the needs of the public–the people who live and work near a highway project.
Qk4’s environmental team works with our highway design and civil engineering teams to:

  1. Minimize environmental impacts, including traffic noise.
  2. Design efficient, cost-effective noise barriers.
Air Quality Studies

Qk4 employs the latest air quality modeling software approved for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Federal Highway Administration to conduct transportation-related air quality studies. Our staff is experienced in using the MOBILE6.2 and CAL3QHC software packages, and is keeping up-to-date with the development and implementation of the forthcoming MOVES air quality model.
Qk4 has conducted air quality studies for projects of various lengths and settings, ranging from corridor-length routes to bypasses to commercial and housing developments. In all cases, we work closely with the client and with state and local regulatory agencies to produce accurate results that all parties can depend on for their decision-making.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessments

Qk4 has the experience and tools necessary to produce Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) for clients concerned about potential hazardous materials on a given property or along a proposed highway route. Our environmental team adheres to the “All Appropriate Inquiries” rule developed by the EPA in concert with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), International Standards. We search the records of many regulatory and other agencies, perform detailed site inspections in the field, and conduct historic research for the property in question. We also provide guidance on the proper disposal of any waste materials we find–hazardous or not. Our reports include a list of the agency databases we’ve searched, pertinent records, historic and/or current maps, site sketches, and photographs.