The Stream by AASHTO

Latest Episodes:

Gauging the Impact of Extreme Precipitation on Infrastructure May 21, 2025

Show notes

This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.

Ken Kunkel – principal research scholar at the North Carolina Institute of Climate Studies at North Carolina State University – offers a wealth of knowledge on all things meteorology and extreme precipitation, including over 40 years of climate and precipitation research. He is an author on the third and fourth U.S. National Climate Assessments. He is also the lead author of the 2020 North Carolina Climate Science Report. He has published around 170 scientific journal articles and book chapters, mostly on climate variability and change.

In this episode Kunkel discusses the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration or NOAA tool known as Atlas 15. The purpose of Atlas 15 is to produce extreme precipitation values that are used in design in infrastructure. Atlas 15 is also able to incorporate changing climate models when producing future data. He dives into how effective and accurate Atlas 15 is and how its data can improve the resiliency of infrastructure, particularly in the transportation sector.

NEPA : What Lies Ahead? Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

In February 2025, the CEQ announced an Interim Final Rule that removes its longstanding NEPA implementing regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations. This shift places the responsibility for NEPA compliance directly on individual federal agencies, allowing them to follow their own procedures rather than a centralized set of rules.

In this podcast episode, Boling delves into how, if NEPA is revoked, it removes a “universal framework” that will prevent federal agencies working in tandem on environmental reviews.

Boling also outlines the potential impact of mass layoffs within the federal government, especially among senior leadership and recent hires, and how that could slow down decision-making regarding environmental reviews for infrastructure projects.

Who You Gonna Call? Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

This episode will cover the coordination of rapid response and resilience resources across states. As natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires increase in frequency and intensity, state DOTs face unprecedented challenges in constructing and maintaining a resilient transportation system. States also face a variety of devastating human caused incidents and compounding events that demand rapid response. The discussion includes cooperative strategies for rapid response and recovery, focusing on interstate resilience utilizing hazard mitigation planning, risk and vulnerability assessments, data sharing, and collaborative priority setting.

Working Together: Rethinking Arterials in the St. Louis Region Dec 12, 2024

Show notes

More information on AMPO can be found here: AMPO | Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations

A PDF version of the Blueprint can be found here: https://www.ewgateway.org/transportation-planning/blueprint-for-arterials/

Unleashing the Past: The Role of Cadaver Dogs in Archaeology and Transportation Projects Oct 02, 2024

Show notes

Cadaver dogs play a crucial role in identifying buried remains and culturally sensitive artifacts during transportation projects. Their exceptional sense of smell helps locate historic and prehistoric resources, ensuring that significant cultural sites are preserved. Today, Jen Anderson from the Texas Department of Transportation will discuss the impact of these trained canines on managing archaeological resources in transportation initiatives.

Quiet Roads Ahead: Innovations in Noise Reduction and Pavement Solutions Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

Join us for an insightful conversation by Kevin Robertson, Surface Treatment Engineer at the Arizona Department of Transportation. Kevin discusses the benefits of quiet pavements and other cutting-edge methods for noise reduction, showcasing practical examples from Arizona’s transportation projects. Discover how these innovative strategies are making a difference in minimizing noise impacts.

Quiet Roads Ahead: Understanding and Managing Transportation Noise Aug 07, 2024

Show notes

To learn more about traffic noise, visit the following links:
The Center for Environmental Excellence by AASHTO
AASHTO's Noise Summit - August 26, 2024

Balancing Infrastructure and Environment: Challenges and Solutions Jul 03, 2024

Show notes

This is the second episode of a two-part series covering NEPA in the transportation sector. Joining us to talk about challenges and creative solutions to completing the NEPA process is Douglas Kolwaite, Environmental Program Manager with the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities.

Balancing Infrastructure and Environment: NEPA’s Role in Transportation Projects Jun 05, 2024

Show notes

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) mandates federal agencies to evaluate the environmental impacts of their actions, crucially influencing transportation projects like road construction and bridge expansions. Our special guest, Ted Boling, a Partner at Perkins Coie with over 30 years of public service, will discuss NEPA’s role in promoting sustainable development within the transportation sector.

Shadows in Motion: Emergency Management Post a Solar Eclipse Apr 03, 2024

Show notes

https://aashtos-etap-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/shadows-in-motion-emergency-management-during-a-solar-eclipse

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