reliability, mobility, and safety across the Chesapeake Bay. The Tier 2 Study is focusing on the Selected Corridor Alternative that was identified at the conclusion of the Tier 1 Study. Tier 2 NEPA will include a GHG and climate change analysis as well as an assessment of sea level rise in the engineering analysis and an environmental impact assessment. CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND ADAPTATION Even if all GHG emissions are halted today, there is a sufficient level of warming in the atmosphere to render some change in climate inevitable. Today, there are growing number of extreme climate events, such as hurricanes, flooding, and severe storms. As a result, the MDTA plans to incorporate climate resilience and adaptation across construction and operational activities. The MDTA is developing processes to systematically analyze and evaluate climate resilience across the agency’s footprint. The Environmental Discipline under the Office of Engineering and Construction is finalizing a Climate Resiliency Screening Protocol. The protocol describes a process for assessing an asset’s exposure to climate stressors that include: I. Coastal Flooding, Sea Level Rise, and Storm Surge II. Extreme/ Inland Precipitation
capabilities for required nighttime and daytime luminance levels, which further improves energy efficiency. The new system is anticipated to offer energy savings around $2 million within 10 years, and construction of this project is expected to begin in FY 2026. In addition to designing the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel LED project, the MDTA has replaced a total of 224 high- mast lighting fixtures during the past year on the Intercounty Connector highway, the MDTA’s first all-electronic toll road. It is estimated that 165,112 kilowatt-hours of electricity will be saved annually, with cost savings of almost $30,000. Miniature-split HVAC systems also have been installed in several facilities of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway. A miniature- split is a type of HVAC system designed to provide heating and cooling without ductwork. These systems have improved energy efficiency of facilities, as they avoid energy loss associated with ductwork, and they also decrease operating costs and According to the EPA, transportation is the largest contributor to US GHG emissions, accounting for 28% of the US total. 2 Managing GHG emissions is a crucial step in mitigating the most severe potential future impacts of climate change. Management of Greenhouse Gases Recently, the MDTA developed a Fleet Electrification Strategy that outlines a strategy for transitioning the MDTA’s operational fleet to electric vehicles and installing required charging infrastructure. This approach will comply with the State Climate Solutions Now Act (enacted under Article II, Section 17(b) of the Maryland Constitution – Chapter 38) for adopting the measures for conversion of passenger cars and light-duty vehicles to be 100% emission-free with Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) by 2031 and 2036, respectively. There are potential energy savings replacement costs of existing systems. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS and reductions in GHG emissions with this transition. The fleet replacement and charger installation are planned to be implemented during the next 10 years. Currently, the MDTA has Electric Vehicles Charging Stations (EVCSs) for fleet use at Nice/Middleton Bridge Maintenance Building and Point Breeze Administration Building. Additionally, the MDTA has EVCSs for public use at the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, Fort McHenry Tunnel, and the Nice/Middleton Bridge campus facilities. The toll plaza at John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway was updated to electronic tolling, which reduced carbon dioxide emissions significantly from vehicle idling, as vehicles are no longer required to reduce speeds when passing through the toll plaza. Instead, travelers remain at continuous speeds and pass under tolling gantries that scan vehicle license plates or E-ZPass devices. To identify future GHG reduction opportunities, the MDTA conducts studies including GHG and Climate Change Analysis. For example, the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study: Tier 2 NEPA, a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study, will analyze alternatives to provide congestion relief and improve travel
III. Extreme Heat IV. Extreme Wind
Currently, the focus is on new assets and existing ones that are part of planned construction projects and task orders. Once exposure to one or more stressors is determined, specific vulnerabilities of the asset will be studied and adaptations proposed. One of the primary climate risks affecting Maryland is increased precipitation and severe weather. As such, the MDTA takes a systematic approach to managing stormwater runoff and building resilience across its facilities. The MDTA plans to report more on these efforts in the coming years. The MDTA is committed to managing stormwater effectively and continues to strengthen and expand efforts to reduce stormwater runoff and pollution into the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. This includes: Maintaining an up-to-date Geographic Information System (GIS) database and mapping system of the agency’s stormwater drainage network. Building and maintaining stormwater management facilities to treat, retain, and promote infiltration. Developing facility pollution prevention plans. Developing and implementing plans for erosion and
sediment control on construction sites. Taking precautions to prevent fuel leaks. Controlling and limiting pesticide applications.
2 https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/sources-greenhouse-gas-emissions
15 Environmental, Social, and Governance Report
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