Our Approach
MDOT MDTA administered a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study for transportation access improvements along the I-95 corridor in South Baltimore in the proximity of the Port Covington peninsula, which is slated for future redevelopment. Straughan led the Natural Environment Analysis and Technical Report; Cultural Resources Assessment and Technical Report; Section 4(f) Analysis; NEPA documentation; and environmental permitting. For the Natural Environment Analysis and Technical Report, Straughan identified the natural resources within the project area, conducted an impact analysis based on the preliminary design of project alternatives, and recommended minimization and mitigation options.
In coordination with MDOT MDTA, Straughan led the Section 106 consultation for the project. We identified and conducted archival research on known cultural resources, prepared Determination of Eligibilities for potential cultural resources, and managed underwater archeology and geoarcheology investigations to help identify potential cultural resources. Additionally, Straughan identified the section 4(f) resources in the project area including publicly owned recreational facilities and cultural resources. For these resource evaluations, we co-authored the Draft Environmental Assessment and led the preparation of the associate sections that identified the existing conditions, potential direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of the preferred alternative, and potential mitigation strategies. Straughan participated in the project scoping, with MDOT MDTA and FHWA (lead federal agency), and contributed to the project’s Administrative Record.
