Projects

Chicago to St. Louis High Speed Rail, Various Counties

Environmental:

Dwight to Pontiac (Tier 1 North): Assisted in preparing the categorical exclusion for this section. Activities included field review for environmental resources including threatened and endangered species, agricultural impacts, geology and groundwater reviews, surface water quality assessments, locating roadside prairie, assisted the INHS field botanist with reviews for a host plant for an endangered moth (Eryngium stem borer), culvert reviews and preparation of photo log, and assessment for historic structures. Drafted portions of the categorical exclusion.

Auburn to Shipman (Tier 2): Assisted in preparing the draft report of existing natural resources for the portion of the route. Tasks included assessment of cover types, visual water quality assessment of stream crossings, assessment of culverts (noting unique culverts such as those constructed of limestone block), threatened and endangered species assessments, prairie locations, tree surveys and assessments of age and quality of wooded areas, coordination with the district natural heritage biologist for INAI sites potentially affected by HSR construction activities.

Shipman to Godfrey (Tier 1 South): Assisted in preparing the draft environmental assessment for this portion. Activities included field review for environmental resources including threatened and endangered species, cover type, agricultural impacts, geology/groundwater reviews, surface water quality assessments, culvert reviews, locate roadside prairie, reviews of buildings impacted by proposed ROW acquisition, tree surveys and assessments of age and quality of wooded areas, and prepared photo logs when necessary. Prepared a report documenting existing conditions regarding environmental and historical resources.

Construction Inspection:

Provided Construction Inspection services for the placement of new rail in the place of the existing Union Pacific rail and laid new concrete ties on the High Speed Rail project. Also inspected the placement of number 24 and 11 switches along with the placement of new asphalt road grade crossings.