An energy discipline study is only required for projects that are preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Construction and operational (vehicle) energy consumption is estimated and each project alternative is compared relative to no-action. Unless the project is a large scale project, energy consumption should only be discussed in general terms but the discussion should be reasonable and supportable.
Schedule
When an Energy Discipline Report is required, the Project Office should submit the required data at least 2 months before the project’s environmental documentation is scheduled to be compiled (i.e. the EIS). The study may be accomplished along with air quality and noise discipline studies. In those cases a longer period should be allocated.
Needed Data
The project office is responsible for requesting and forwarding the following data to the Energy analyst, as well as ensuring that the data is complete.
Traffic Analysis Office:
- Daily VMT (Vehicle Miles Traveled)
- Percent Autos, Buses, Medium Trucks and Heavy Trucks
Design Office:
- Approximate cost of the project including no-action and all alternatives.
- Roadway Grade (degrees) for each alternative
- Number of curves in roadway for each alternative
- Number of intersections / delay duration (stops and starts) for each alternative
- OR a list of all equipment, materials and operations that will be used during the project including transportation of workers to and from the construction site.
Projects having a unique nature may require additional information. Please contact the Energy Staff for questions.