General Information

Mission

The Natural Environment Unit (NEU) provides the highest quality environmental input to all of our customers in a timely, cost efficient manner, while balancing the need for high quality transportation infrastructure with environmental stewardship.

Responsibilities

The five (5) groups within the Natural Environment Unit are: the Natural Environment Project Management Group (NEPMG), Natural Environment Biological Surveys Group (NEBSG), Indirect and Cumulative Impacts Group (ICIG), Natural Environment Program Operations Group (NEPOG), and the Natural Environment Engineering Group (NEEG). In addition, the following positions serve special functions in the Office: Assistant Unit Head, Ecosystems Enhancement Program (EEP) Coordinator, and Computer Consultant.

Natural Environment Project Management Group

The Natural Environment Project Management Group manages all phases of the environmental input process for each project from initial environmental documentation through permitting and construction. It is organized into three (3) regions, the Eastern Region which focuses on NCDOT Divisions 1-4, 6, the Central Region that focuses on NCDOT Divisions 5, 7-9, and the Western Region that focuses on NCDOT Divisions 10-14. Regional staff are the primary point of contact for projects in the particular regions, but there is also close coordination across regions to insure consistency. This Group serves as the initial landing point for most requests coming into the NEU and the outlet for many of the NEU's deliverables. The NEPMG performs general natural resource investigations, wetland delineations, non-aquatic protected species surveys, prepares natural resource technical reports (NRTRs), prepares environmental permit applications and secures environmental permits. This group works closely with other units within NEU and may draw on those units' expertise from time to time during the project development process. The NEPMG is also involved in a considerable amount of coordination with other groups internal and external to the NCDOT, including the Project Development Unit, Hydraulics Unit, Roadway Design Unit, the 14 NCDOT Division Offices, and state and federal regulatory agencies.

Natural Environment Biological Surveys Group

The Natural Environment Biological Surveys Group primarily investigates all aquatic based species on TIP projects for the NCDOT. During the warm weather months when the stream temperatures permit entry, this group spends much time in the field; performing mussel "screenings" and mussel surveys. Along with aquatic species investigations, this group handles a majority of the survey requests for specialized Threatened and Endangered species including bats, bald eagles, various protected plants, amphibians and Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV). This group is also responsible for developing Biological Assessments and coordinating Section 7 efforts with state and federal regulatory agencies.

Indirect and Cumulative Impacts Group

The Indirect and Cumulative Impacts Group (ICIG) coordinates ICI water quality analysis for all NCDOT TIP projects statewide, all on-site mitigation planning efforts, and plans Threatened and Endangered species conservation sites. In coordinating on-site mitigation discovery and planning efforts, this group coordinates with the NEPMG, the NEEG, and the Hydraulics Unit. In pursuing T&E conservation sites, this group analyses the impacts to particular species and the conservation needs and takes the lead in coordinating with both state and federal regulatory agencies to identify the most beneficial sites for protection and long term management to offset transportation impacts. This group works closely with the NEBSG in these efforts. In coordinating the ICI water quality analysis for particular TIP projects, this group coordinates closely with the Human Environment Unit in their development of the Indirect and Cumulative Effects (ICE) document. This group is also involved with the oversight and implementation of various mathematical models to estimate projected indirect water quality impacts from projects.

Natural Environment Program Operations Group

The Natural Environment Program Operations Group serves the Unit and the Department with regulatory knowledge associated with permitting, mitigation and natural resource investigations. This group monitors the flow of information and products through the Unit and coordinates all non-project requests for information from PDEA and NCDOT management, the Board of Transportation Members, state and federal agencies, and other third parties. This group has worked with the NCDOT Information Technology Group to implement the NEU Data Warehouse. They have also been involved with creation, maintaining and updating the NEU Procedures Manual as part of the larger PDEA Manual. This group has the flexibility to change priorities instantly and to generate information not typically associated with a particular project. Their flexibility allows data to be gathered quickly without delaying project schedules.

Natural Environment Engineering Group

The Engineering Group is responsible for the design, construction coordination and monitoring for on-site mitigation for all NCDOT TIP projects statewide. Their involvement consists of input during the discovery and planning process and coordination with the NCDOT Hydraulics Unit during design. This group also stays in close coordination with the 14 NCDOT Division Offices as on-site mitigation projects are implemented in the field. As part of the monitoring responsibilities, this group coordinates with private consultant firms to install and download monitoring gauges at all on-site mitigation projects statewide. Their monitoring activities include coordinating with federal and state agencies and preparing annual monitoring reports for each project. The NEEG also serves as a resource to the NEU in updating the latest engineering technology information and interpreting design plans and permit drawings.

Customers

The NEU serves a wide array of customers due to its involvement during nearly every phase of project development from conception to construction. The following is an abbreviated list of potential points along the project development process where the NEU is most likely to be involved.

Project Related Activity	Customer
Providing comments on a potential project prior to a scoping meeting.	Project Development Engineer
Natural Resource Investigation	Project Development Engineer, NCDOT, FHWA, Regulatory Agencies
ROW/Construction Consultations	Project Development Engineer
Permit Acquisition	NCDOT Construction Unit, NCDOT Hydraulics Unit, NCDOT Proposals and Contracts Unit, Citizens of NC, Regulatory Agencies.

General Safety in the Field

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has a goal of zero work-related accidents and injuries. The NEU's field work has inherent hazards that can be minimized by being well prepared and following safety protocols in the field. Mentioned below are general and additional precautions that in no way supersede or replace the NCDOT Workplace Safety Manual. This Manual should always be referenced for any questions concerning safety. With this in mind, the guidelines below provide an overview of ways to stay safe in the field.

General Safety Rules

Orange vests should be worn whenever working in the field, or parking along roadsides. Field work should be scheduled using the buddy system, namely never going into the field alone. All staff should get training in first aid and CPR. Basic training can go a long way in helping to deal with situations that arise. A wireless phone is an important piece of safety equipment for the field. Each field team should be carrying at least one phone for emergency purposes. Wireless phones are available for daily checkout through the Natural Environment Unit's Office Processing Assistant. Or, if you qualify, the NCDOT may reimburse $28.00 of your mobile phone bill to help offset the cost. You must fill out the wireless phone reimbursement justification form and get approval before being reimbursed for your mobile phone expenses.

Always use your best judgement when confronted with any field situation. If you feel that you are presented with a situation that is unsafe, reevaluate your options and consider how the work can be done safely. And remember; no project is more important than your or your coworkers' personal safety and well being!

Cold Weather Safety

Whenever possible, schedule coldest part of work for the warmest part of the day Organize work procedures to minimize sitting still or standing for long periods of time. Be sure to drink plenty of warm, sweet, caffeine-free, non-alcoholic drinks or soup. Take regular rest breaks. Wear the proper clothing in layers. Outer garments should be made of waterproof, wind resistant material like nylon. A good example of layering would be a wool shirt or sweater over a cotton shirt and then an outer nylon jacket. Employees should be sure to wear a hat or other head covering; up to 40% of heat loss occurs when the head is exposed. Wear waterproof boots. Wear gloves when the air temperature falls below 40 degrees F. Keep as dry as possible and have extra clothing readily available to change into if you do get wet. Remember, the frequency of accidents is higher in cold weather. Make allowances for your slowed reflexes and numbed hands when doing your job.

Hot Weather Safety

Supervisors should schedule heaviest work during the cooler morning hours whenever possible. All employees who have not been working in a hot environment must adjust to the heat before expecting to be fully productive (5-7 days). Employees should drink 2 cups of water before beginning work. Then 2-4 additional cups should be taken during each hour of work. Light meals are better than fatty foods as they are easier on the digestive system. Frequent, short breaks in the shade are better than infrequent, long ones. Employees should wear the proper clothing such as loosely woven cotton shirts, sunglasses, sweatbands and the proper footwear. Supervisors should ensure that each crew has adequate water and that employees are allowed enough break time for drinking purposes. Employees must remember that a lack of sleep, obesity, alcohol use and similar factors can increase the risk of heat related injuries.

Sun Exposure

By far, the most common cause of skin cancer is overexposure to the sun. Ninety percent of all skin cancers occur on parts of the body that usually are not covered by clothing. People who sunburn easily and have fair skin with red or blond hair are most prone to develop skin cancer. The amount of time spent in the sun also affects a person's risk of skin cancer.

To prevent skin cancer:

Cover up with a wide-brimmed hat and a bandanna for your neck. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants that the sun cannot penetrate. Use sunscreens to help prevent skin cancer as well as premature aging of your skin. Use a Sun Protective Factor (SPF) rating of 15 or higher. You can still get burned on a cloudy day. Try to stay out of the direct sun at midday, because sunrays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Beware of high altitudes - where there is less atmosphere to filter out the ultraviolet rays. Know your skin. Whatever your skin type, do a monthly self-examination of your skin to note any moles, blemishes or birthmarks. Check them once a month and if you notice any changes in size, shape or color, or if a sore does not heal, see your physician without delay.

Venomous Snakes, Insects and Plants

Like most accidents and injuries, prevention is important in controlling hazards from venomous snakes, insects and plants. Therefore, each employee should review the work activities planned to determine what exposures might exist. Efforts should then be made to minimize situations, which might result in a snakebite, insect sting or exposure to poisonous plants. Employees should also avoid wearing bright clothes, perfumes, after-shaves, etc., to help minimize attraction of snakes or insects.

Snakes

Employees should wear work boots, long pants and long sleeved shirts when going into hazardous areas. Employees should make as much noise as possible when approaching a possible snake area to give the snake time to leave. Employees should avoid reaching or stepping into hidden areas whenever possible.

If a snakebite occurs, the employee should:

Remain as calm as possible. Move away from the snake. Apply a constricting bandage (not tourniquet) between the wound and heart. A finger should be able to pass under it. Allow a fellow worker to transport victim to closest medical facility. Under no circumstances should incisions and suction be used to treat snakebites.

Insect Stings

Employees should:

Wear appropriate clothing. Avoid areas where biting or stinging insects might occur whenever possible. Schedule work in infested areas during the cool months. Avoid strongly scented after-shaves, colognes, etc., which may attract insects. Use available insect repellents (Wasp Spray DOT # 34-02250 and Flying Insect Spray DOT # 34-01825). If a sting does occur, any stinger should be removed with a knife blade or fingernail. The area should then be treated with Sting Kill Swabs (DOT # 34-01850) and/or Hydrocortisone (DOT # 34-02350).

Ticks

Ticks are especially important to pay attention to because of the possibility of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or Lyme Disease.
To minimize exposure, employees should follow these guidelines:

Wear appropriate clothing when working in wooded area. Check yourself at least twice a day, paying particular attention to the hair, neck, and groin area. Use the available Tick Repellent (DOT #34-02050). Notify your supervisor if a tick is found and request that the date and condition (i.e. attached? crawling?) be noted for future reference. If possible, retain engorged ticks and place in a container for identification of the tick type by a NCDOT preferred provider. If you do not know the preferred provider, contact the Workers' Compensation clerk or Safety Officer (Paul Roberts, (919) 250-4200 ext. 251). · Call your NCDOT preferred provider if fever, chills, headaches or muscle aches develop within 3-10 days after exposure. In some cases, a rash may develop on the wrists and ankles 1-3 days after the fever begins.

Poisonous Plants

The typical NCDOT employee has exposure to at least three types of poisonous plants: poison oak, poison ivy and poison sumac. Reactions range from mild (very little or none) to severe (rash and blisters). Employees who have no reaction may become sensitized after repeated exposure and develop an allergic reaction.
To avoid problems with poisonous plants, employees should:

Avoid working in severely infested areas, if at all possible. (Learn what the plants look like.) Wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, and work gloves. If you are performing clearing activities with either hand (e.g. bush axes, machetes, etc.) or powered tools, use eye goggles/safety glasses to prevent poisonous plants from entering your eyes. Use silicone protective, or other barrier creams where available. Use TECNU poison Ivy Wash (NCDOT # 34-01610) on any place that may have been exposed. In some cases, even 24 hours after exposure may help. Be sure that any clothes or shoes that may have been exposed receive thorough washing. Leftover plant oils on anything could cause a reaction even days later. If a severe reaction develops, contact your NCDOT preferred provider for possible treatments. If you do not know the preferred provider, contact the Workers' Compensation clerk or Safety Officer (Paul Roberts, (919) 250-4200 ext. 251). Avoid rubbing your eyes if you have been in contact with poisonous plants.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is mandated through state and federal regulations to produce complete, accurate, and high quality environmental documentation. The goal of the Natural Environment Unit (NEU) is to produce documents that are uniform, consistent, and to the greatest extent practicable, free from errors and omissions. To achieve this goal, these Guidelines for Quality Assurance/Quality Control will be applied, at a minimum, to all documentation produced by the NEU or produced for the NEU.
For documents produced within the NEU, the Group Leader (GL) has the responsibility for ensuring the highest quality product. However, quality products begin with the project manager (PM). Every deliverable should be thoroughly reviewed by the project manager and then circulated to a minimum of two peers. The Group Leader should then have the opportunity to review the document at their discretion before it is finalized and distributed. It is no more excusable to have numerous typographical errors and misspelled words than it is to be incorrect on a wetland delineation or biological conclusion. The quality of the written word is as important as technical merit.

QA/QC for typical documents produced within the NEU.

Author thoroughly reviews their own document. Document is circulated to at least two peers for review. Author makes necessary corrections. Author gives marked up document to GL for review. Group Leader Reviews . Author makes corrections. Final Document is distributed.

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