Preparation of environmental reports for capital projects requires special expertise in scoping environmental issues, determining the specific requirements for analyses, and obtaining permits and approvals. Until recently, the burden of responsibility for preparing such reports has rested with the regional offices of the NYSDOT. To assist the regions in preparing environmental reports, the Environmental Analysis Bureau has sought to develop a statewide protocol for scoping environmental issues and implement a computer-based system for streamlining data entry, tracking and reporting. During the first year of the project, an in-depth investigation of the environmental assessment and reporting process was performed. Also, the requirements for developing the software program and designing software and hardware specifications were investigated.

 

The second phase of the project will involve the full-scale implementation of CAPER. It will include: leading design staff through the Expanded Project Proposal and Design Approval Document phases, interfacing with other software programs, providing intelligent user assistance, and providing a more powerful platform for preparing, tracking, and coordinating reports.