As good stewards of the environment, MoDOT strives to be environmentally conscious with all of its transportation projects. Also, in order to comply with national and state environmental legislation, MODOT is mandated to consider the potential impacts of its projects on our state’s natural and social resources. Legislation such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 was passed in response to growing public concern for the environment. NEPA establishes a national policy to protect the environment, which includes the assessment of potential environmental impacts of all major federal actions.
MoDOT’s staff of natural and social science specialists are responsible for evaluating the impacts of all transportation projects on Missouri’s diverse array of natural resources. Those resources include: floodplains, wetlands, sensitive species, farmland, air and water quality, and wildlife habitats. MoDOT personnel also address concerns relating to noise and hazardous wastes. Furthermore, the Federal Highway Administration has established additional requirements for the protection and enhancement of resources such as publicly owned parks, recreation areas, and wildlife and waterfowl refuges. MoDOT must also consider all social and economic impacts of its projects on the human environment. After completing their environmental assessments, staff specialists will assist MoDOT's district personnel in avoiding, minimizing, or mitigating project impacts on the natural and human environment.