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Composite Score

The Composite Score of Ecological Vulnerability serves as a preliminary screening tool in initial preparation for an environmental review or analysis and facilitates sustainable planning.

Composite Score

This section contains the methodology for the REF Composite Score, a classification system based on the potential ecological vulnerability of a Census block within Champaign County.

Methodology

The REF Composite Score is a classification system based on the ecological vulnerability of an area. This system will consist of a Composite Score aggregating attributes of identified environmental features, the Ecological Vulnerability Layers (EVLs), relevant to requirements of state and federal environmental reviews and overall ecological integrity of Champaign County. This Composite Score (hereafter referred to as the Ecological Vulnerability Score) links transportation planning with environmental review processes by considering ecological vulnerability in the context of review-triggering conditions.

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Vulnerability Score

Ecological Vulnerability Scores by Census Block Raw composite scores then need to be aggregated to a unit of analysis for easy comprehension and integration into planning. For the REF, the unit chosen was the Census Block. Blocks represent the most refined unit that the Census Bureau publishes spatial data for, offering a fine-grain neighborhood-level unit of analysis. FHWA’s Eco-Logical approach and relevant literature recommends aggregation of composite scores to units that have some ecological connection, are compatible and accessible by potential users, and can be integrated with existing plans and resource-agency products (Strayer et al.

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Score Rationale

Soil Development Potential Soil Development Potential is included as an EVL due to the interrelation of the natural environment and transportation infrastructure. The success of a transportation project relies on the ability of the soil to support infrastructure and maintenance activities. This interrelation forms the basis of ecology, as defined by the FHWA. Score Rationale (NRCS, Soil Science Manual) Very Limited: 2 Soils in this class are members of the set of soils that are limited for use.

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