Burgess & Niple (B&N) worked with the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) Division of Highways to prepare a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliant environmental assessment for a new interchange on I-79 near Morgantown, West Virginia.
B&N has experienced environmental scientists and biologists on staff to conduct ecological investigations and prepare associated documentation for a wide range of projects.
B&N worked closely with the WVDOT Division of Highways and the Federal Highway Administration to complete the required field studies for the site. This included:
- Delineation of all wetlands within the study area
- Preparation of stream evaluations and calculation of the West Virginia Stream Condition Index
- Terrestrial habitat and wildlife evaluations
- Coordination of field studies for cultural resource investigations
- Agency coordination related to rare, threatened and endangered species
- Noise analysis to identify sensitive receptors near the project area and evaluate potential impacts/mitigation
- Hazardous materials report
As part of the environmental assessment, B&N evaluated multiple alternatives leveraging GIS mapping and tools for the proposed interchange and compared impacts associated with each one to support development of the preferred alternative.
B&N was responsible for calculating the West Virginia Stream and Wetland Valuation Metrics. The team used this information to prepare Clean Water Act Section 404/401 individual permits for wetland and stream impacts. B&N also participated in public involvement activities throughout the project.