About the Study: Taking a Look Ahead

The Phase I Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Evaluation Process for Randall Road

Phase I will be based on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). When a government agency (such as McHenry County) plans to take an action that may have an effect on the human or natural environment, NEPA requires that an analysis of potential environmental effects be conducted. Within the Phase I process, all identified reasonable alternatives will be evaluated and potential social, economic, and environmental impacts will be avoided or minimized. Figure A shows the typical process for Phase I: Preliminary Design/Environmental Evaluation. The first five steps focus on alternatives development and evaluation; the last three steps focus on environmental analysis and documentation. Stakeholder Involvement is built into the process as dictated by NEPA. Through the expanded Public Involvement Program for the Randall Road Improvements Study there will be opportunities for stakeholders to get involved throughout the entire Phase I process.

The Randall Road Improvements Study involves preparing a Phase I report which focuses on alternatives analysis and environmental evaluation. Potential impacts to the resources (for up to three build alternatives) will be completed. The design of the Preferred Alternative will be modified to avoid and minimize impacts. If avoidance is not feasible, mitigation measures will be identified.

Figure - A