Blue Route (I-476) Environmental Monitor

Client: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

Location: Suburban Philadelphia Counties, Pennsylvania

Services: Environmental monitoring

KCI Technologies served as the independent environmental monitor for I-476, also known as the Blue Route, a major new interstate highway in suburban Philadelphia. The objective was to ensure that engineers and contractors met all environmental commitments and requirements throughout design and construction.

First US Independent Monitor —This was the first US transportation project on which an independent firm monitored both design and construction for environmental compliance.

Before construction, KCI reviewed all contract documents for potential conflicts with the many environmental requirements. During construction, KCI monitored all activities to ensure compliance with these requirements, community commitments, and environmental permits. More specifically, KCI’s responsibilities encompassed monitoring plans to mitigate the effects of construction on wetlands, streams, and wildlife habitat, including plans to create new wetlands; monitoring noise levels of all construction, including night work; monitoring water quality at more than 40 sites, including two landfills; and preparing a report for PennDOT on incorporating water quality control features into the stormwater management design. 

Public Involvement—KCI actively participated in the project’s public involvement program. Interested parties could visit the project office to discuss concerns or issues and review information, and KCI staff members attended public progress meetings. KCI also published a project newsletter to inform the public about the project.

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