PATC Policy
The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club will work with partners to prepare supporting documentation and comply with the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) where required. PATC will ensure that such documentation is completed before the Club participates in major actions requiring evaluation of compliance with the Act.
Partners’ Policies
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
The gypsy moth suppression program conducted by state agencies requires federal funding and must meet NEPA requirements. Also, the Department of Transportation often requires federal funding for highway construction projects and must also meet NEPA requirements. Most state agency programs, however, are carried out without federal involvement and do not require the agency to comply with NEPA.
Commonwealth of Virginia
Most state agency programs are carried out without federal involvement and do not require the agency to comply with NEPA. However, state law (Code of Virginia, Title 10.1, Chapter 11.1) requires state agencies to conduct an environmental assessment for major state projects with potential environmental effects. “Major state projects” are those costing more than $100,000, but several categories are excluded, including highway and road construction and projects undertaken by industrial development authorities and housing development authorities created by state law. State agencies must provide opportunities for public participation, must conduct “scoping” sessions, and must identify and document potential impacts and mitigating measures in their assessments. The state’s gypsy moth suppression program requires compliance with the NEPA because of federal funding. The Department of Transportation also must meet NEPA requirements when federal highway funding is involved.
West Virginia
Department of Transportation
The Department of Transportation must meet National Environmental Policy Act requirements when federal highway funding is involved, to include the purchase of foot bridges.
