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PENNDOT and the Greenhorne & O'Mara (G&O) Project Team
have been working diligently throughout the spring and summer to
develop and refine the alignments for the U.S. 219 Improvements
Project. Environmental scientists and engineers walked all four
preliminary alternatives. The project mapping was updated based
on field observations and surveying. The alignments were then revised
to reduce impacts to environmental features.
Many factors are being taken into consideration while creating
the best possible alignments for the proposed roadway. These
factors include: the location of residences, businesses, and farms;
environmental resources; engineering design criteria; bridge heights;
stream crossings, local access roads; and possible interchange locations.
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Now that these studies are almost completed,
the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be written.
The Draft EIS will describe potential impacts to the natural,
social, and cultural environment associated with each alternative.
After the Draft EIS is completed, the document will be distributed
to all consulting agencies and
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The U.S. 219 project team conducted environmental surveys
this past spring and summer to characterize the plants, animals, and
wetland areas within the four alignments. These studies were conducted
along the entire length of the alignments. The major types of plants
and wildlife observed in different habitats (e.g., croplands, grass
fields, hardwood forests, old clearcut areas, wetlands, etc.) were recorded
and the information was analyzed. Each wetland within the alignments
was identified and mapped. Field investigations were also conducted
for protected species identified as Threatened or Endangered by State
and Federal agencies. Two species listed as Threatened by the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, the Upland Sandpiper and the Appalachian Blue Violet
(photograph at left), were found during the surveys of the alignments.
The four preliminary alignments were revised based on  the
findings of the environmental surveys. On-site field meetings with representatives
from State and Federal agencies were also held to discuss potential
environmental issues. Input from these meetings led to further adjustments
to the alignments. Final environmental investigations will be completed
this August.
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See
you at the Somerset County Fair!