In response to increased concern about the environment, Congress has passed several laws pertaining to natural and social resources. These laws require assessing the environmental impacts of all major federal actions, including federal-aid highway projects, that significantly affect the human environment. The environmental studies team provides services to the ten MoDOT districts throughout Missouri. Environmental studies staff consider the impacts that transportation projects will have on sensitive resources such as endangered species, floodplains, wetlands, farmland, air and water quality, and wildlife habitat. Noise and hazardous waste issues are also addressed. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requires other environmental protection and enhancement regulations -- such as 49 U.S.C. 303 [known as Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act], which protects publicly owned parks, recreation areas, and wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and 23 U.S.C. 109(h), which mandates consideration of social and economic impacts to the human environment -- to be addressed in conjunction with the environmental assessment process. After evaluating the impacts, staff specialists assist the districts in avoiding, minimizing, or mitigating impacts to the human environment. Follow the links below for a brief description of some of the environmental and social concerns in the state of Missouri. For further information, please contact the environmental studies staff at 573-526-4778 or by email.  Threatened and Endangered Species Farmland Protection Hazardous and Solid Waste Parks and Public Lands Socioeconomic Dynamics of Transportation Wetlands Environmental Policies