Efficient Environmental Monitoring: MdTA's Rapid Assessment Solutions
Julie McCarthy
Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA)
Baltimore, MD
Chelsea Connor
JMT
Cockeysville, MD
Michael Greenberg
Straughan Environmental
Columbia, MD
Aaron Brown
WSP
Baltimore, MD
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA) has pioneered an efficient rapid assessment survey system utilizing Esri’s ArcGIS Survey 123 and ArcGIS Dashboards, integrating real-time monitoring seamlessly with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). These surveys evaluate site performance against the performance standards set forth by varying environmental regulatory agencies to ensure environmental migaon compliance. The dashboard, tied to corresponding survey data, offers immediate insight and serves as a proactive tool in alerting management to potential issues and forecasting future budgetary needs to maintain compliance.
The rapid assessment surveys consist of three forms tailored for inspections related to major natural resources: streams, wetlands, and vegetation. The rapid stream assessment survey, based on the Stream Corridor Assessment (SCA) protocol by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR), comprehensively evaluates stream health. Surveyors assess factors like macroinvertebrate substrata, aquatic habitat, sediment deposition, bank stabilization, stream structure integrity, and riparian buffer vegetation. Problematic areas are identified, and severity levels are assigned with recommended priorities along with photo documentation.
The rapid wetland assessment survey, adapted from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Wetland Determination Data Form, evaluates wetland development based on hydrology, vegetation, and soil quality. Each wetland’s size is proportionally weighted for accurate scoring regardless of scale.
The rapid vegetaon assessment survey focuses on Richness & Cover, Invasive Species and Tree Survivability, crucial for compliance. Data collected within plots assess Richness & Cover, while Invasive Species are documented by type, density, and potential impact. Tree Survivability is calculated based on tree status from the latest inspection results.
These assessments are integrated to generate an overall letter grade for the site, presented in an intuitive ArcGIS Dashboard. This dashboard provides historical data for site progress tracking and offers immediate feedback on project progress. This integrated approach, facilitating efficient environmental project management and ensuring successful mitgation efforts, is instrumental in adhering to regulatory standards.
About Julie McCarthy
I am the program manager for the natural resources mitigation and permitting for Maryland Transportation Authority. I have been in this role for over a year. I have been working as an Environmental Scientist for over a decade. I have worked in the private sector and recently moved to the public sector. I have extensive experience throughout the Chesapeake Bay region. I have extensive knowledge of the local fauna and flora. Recently I have focused my efforts on mitigation for MdTA. MdTA is responsible for all toll roads, bridges, and tunnels in Maryland. This has led to the extensive need for permitting and mitigation for resource impacts. My team and I have worked tirelessly to streamline data collection and surveys of our extensive mitigation sites. We have various sites including stream restoration, wetland creation, reforestation, and pollinator habitat creation. As our program develops we will expand our efforts to create ecological uplift throughout our right of way in Maryland.
Julie M. - Natural Resources Lead - Maryland Transportation Authority | LinkedIn
About Chelsea Connor
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About Michael Greenberg
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About Aaron Brown
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