[Disclaimer: This Environmental Justice (EJ) webpage is in flux with ongoing federal policy changes. For EJ inquiries related to project delivery, please reach out to kelly.craig@wsdot.wa.gov. For assistance with Title VI analysis, including collecting and reviewing demographic data, providing language accessibility, and ensuring meaningful engagement, please contact the Office of Equity and Civil Rights (OECR) Title VI Team: alberto.valentin@wsdot.wa.gov,anthony.pheasant@wsdot.wa.gov, and corwin.scott@wsdot.wa.gov.]
It is WSDOT practice to analyze environmental justice (EJ) impacts for transportation projects of $15 million or more. WSDOT must conduct an environmental justice assessment for significant agency actions under the state law known as the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act.
Requirements for projects subject to the HEAL Act
Refer to the Environmental Manual Chapter 460 for Environmental Justice. For guidance and resources to conduct an Environmental Justice Assessment you will need to gain access to the internal HEAL Act SharePoint EJ Assessment Resources folder by clicking on the link. If you need access to the site, please use the request access feature to notify the HEAL Act team and we will grant you access.
Determine community demographics
Project teams must utilize demographic data and community outreach to inform their EJ assessment including gathering, processing, and evaluating environmental health data. Teams should use the Environmental Health Disparities Mapping Tool to identify overburdened communities and vulnerable populations, as well as to obtain a Health Disparity Rank for the project area.
Determine language service needs
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) data should inform your project’s communication and outreach needs for language services, including interpretation and translation. Visit Title VI/Limited English Proficiency for information on accommodating non-English speakers. For Title VI and LEP assistance contact Title VI staff: alberto.valentin@wsdot.wa.gov and anthony.pheasant@wsdot.wa.gov
Develop a public involvement strategy
Read the Community Engagement Plan to learn how to engage with partners, stakeholders, tribes and communities throughout project delivery.
Coordinate with Office of Equity and Civil Rights and region/modal communications staff to develop an inclusive public involvement strategy tailored to the communities who may be touched by the project.
[Disclaimer: This Environmental Justice (EJ) webpage is in flux with ongoing federal policy changes. For EJ inquiries related to project delivery, please reach out to kelly.craig@wsdot.wa.gov. For assistance with Title VI analysis, including collecting and reviewing demographic data, providing language accessibility, and ensuring meaningful engagement, please contact the Office of Equity and Civil Rights (OECR) Title VI Team: alberto.valentin@wsdot.wa.gov, anthony.pheasant@wsdot.wa.gov, and corwin.scott@wsdot.wa.gov.]
Requirements for projects subject to the HEAL Act
Refer to the Environmental Manual Chapter 460 for Environmental Justice. For guidance and resources to conduct an Environmental Justice Assessment you will need to access to the internal HEAL Act SharePoint EJ Assessment Resources folder by clicking on the link. If you need access to the site, please use the request access feature to notify the HEAL Act team and we will grant you access.
[Disclaimer: This Environmental Justice (EJ) webpage is in flux with ongoing federal policy changes. For EJ inquiries related to project delivery, please reach out to kelly.craig@wsdot.wa.gov. For assistance with Title VI analysis, including collecting and reviewing demographic data, providing language accessibility, and ensuring meaningful engagement, please contact the Office of Equity and Civil Rights (OECR) Title VI Team: alberto.valentin@wsdot.wa.gov, anthony.pheasant@wsdot.wa.gov, and corwin.scott@wsdot.wa.gov.]
Requirement for projects subject to the HEAL Act
Refer to the Environmental Manual Chapter 460 for Environmental Justice. For guidance and resources to conduct an Environmental Justice Assessment you will need to access to the internal HEAL Act SharePoint EJ Assessment Resources folder by clicking on the link. If you need access to the site, please use the request access feature to notify the HEAL Act team and we will grant you access.
[Disclaimer: This Environmental Justice (EJ) webpage is in flux with ongoing federal policy changes. For EJ inquiries related to project delivery, please reach out to kelly.craig@wsdot.wa.gov. For assistance with Title VI analysis, including collecting and reviewing demographic data, providing language accessibility, and ensuring meaningful engagement, please contact the Office of Equity and Civil Rights (OECR) Title VI Team: alberto.valentin@wsdot.wa.gov, anthony.pheasant@wsdot.wa.gov, and corwin.scott@wsdot.wa.gov.]
Manuals
Community Engagement Plan – To learn how to engage with partners, stakeholders, tribes and communities.
Environmental Manual Chapter 460: Environmental justice (PDF 330KB) – To learn more about considerations we take to assess environmental justice impacts during the project development process.
Tools & templates
Environmental health disparities map fact sheet (PDF 206KB) – To learn why, how and when to use the Environmental Health Disparities interactive mapping tool that compares census tracts across WA state for environmental health disparities.
Washington Department of Health’s Environmental Health Disparities Map - Interactive tool that compares census tracts across Washington State for environmental health disparities.
