Resources
Environmental and regulatory-significant resources are considered, as well as their connection to sustainable transportation planning.
Resources
This section includes key information on topography, soil, hydrology, cultural resources, vegetation and wildlife habitat, regulated-waste sites, and the ambient environment. Data is updated regularly and is current as of 2022.
Topography & Soil
Topography Champaign County is known for its flat, expansive agricultural character. Over its 998 square mile area, Champaign County is one of the flattest areas in Illinois with elevations ranging from approximately 262 meters (860 feet) above mean sea level near the north of Rising Township to 189 meters (620 feet) above mean sea level near the Salt Fork River in Homer Township. The relief, highest elevation minus the lowest, is only 75m (246 feet).
Hydrology
Major Waterways Champaign County waterways can be perennial, where water is consistently flowing year-round, or intermittent, where water only flows at certain times of the year (EPA, 2013). Major waterways include the Sangamon River, Kaskaskia River, Embarras River, Salt Fork River split, and the Middle Fork River. Image: Sangamon River (Britannica, 2008) Impacts to waterways, both perennial and intermittent, can pose serious challenges planners need to consider.
Cultural Resources
Image: Cultural Resources Historic Bridges The IDOT environmental review process requires that planners identify historic bridges in the proposed project area as early as practical during planning. Department review and approval is required if a project involves the replacement or rehabilitation of a bridge 50 years or older (IDOT, 2017). Three historic bridges exist within the County, only two of which are listed on IDOT’s historic bridges resource (Historic Bridges, n.
Wildlife & Vegetation Habitat
Image: Natural Areas Natural Areas Champaign County has several types of natural areas, each with different rules governing their use and management: Wooded areas consist of non-designated open space with prominent vegetative cover. While not protected under any rules other than standard property rights, wooded areas provide habitat and ecological value. Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Land consists of environmentally sensitive land temporarily removed from agricultural production that is managed to improve environmental quality.
Regulated Sites
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA, 2022) defines special waste as any potentially infectious medical waste, hazardous waste, pollution control waste or industrial process waste. Potential presence of hazardous or regulated substances affects both human and ecological health. Work in or around any identified special waste sites can cause a release of contaminants into the air, soil, and/or water. Image: Special Waste Federal and state regulations require that all currently known and potential special waste or other regulated sites be identified as part of the environmental review proces, so that special preparations can be made to handle contaminants appropriately.
Ambient Environment
Air Quality Transportation contributes to three important categories of air pollutants: Greenhouse Gases (GHG): Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global climate change. Criteria Air Pollutants (CAP): Common ambient air pollutants that cause harm to health, the environment, and property Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs): Air toxics emitted from transportation sources such as highway vehicles and non-road equipment that are known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health and environmental effects.