Christine Perron
September 27, 2021
for analysing MSATs in a NEPA document; 1) No Meaningful MSAT effects; 2) Low Potential MSAT effects;
3) High Potential MSAT effects.
For projects with low potential MSAT effects, a qualitative assessment (Phase | analysis) of emissions
projections will be conducted in accordance with Appendix B and Appendix C of the FHWA guidance. For
projects with no meaningful MSAT effects, no formal analysis is required.
For Projects considered as high potential MSAT effects, (i.e. projects with traffic volumes greater than
140,000 to 150,000 AAWDT) a quantitative analysis (Phase II analysis) will be conducted to evaluate
MSAT emissions across roadway links within the “affected network”.
Based on expected ADT volumes for the Build Alternative (i.e. below 140,000 ADT), the Project is
assumed to be one of low potential MSAT effects and only a qualitative analysis will be required.
4. Task 4: Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)
Based on the President’s recent Executive Order? , the project impacts should be documented in the
Environmental Assessment (EA) consistent with the 2016 CEQ Final GHG NEPA guidance*. In order to
meet the 2016 CEQ guidance, a qualitative GHG analysis is proposed for this project to document GHG
impacts unless NHDOT decides a GHG analysis is not warranted.
5. Task 5: Reporting
HMMH will prepare a Draft Air Quality Study Report for NHDOT review, make the necessary revisions
resulting from the review, and then submit a final version of the report. The report will aim to provide
pertinent information in a manner understandable to the lay public. The report will include
documentation of the air quality analysis, including discussion of air quality standards, attainment status,
regulatory discussion, any modeling approach and assumptions, graphics, and tables of air quality impact
estimates for the Build Alternative and conditions. The technical report (including graphics) will be
provided in electronic format.
3 Executive Order on Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate
Crisis”. January 20, 2021.
4 Memorandum for Heads of Federal Departments and Agencies from Christina Goldfuss, Council on Environmental
Quality. “Final guidance for Federal Departments and Agencies on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Effect of
Climate Change in the National Environmental and Policy Act Reviews”. August 1, 2016
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