Interview
John Callison, Environmental Specialist
Texas Department of Transportation
1.) What got you started in become an environmental specialist?
I worked for TxDOT as a summer hire while in college. Two of thosa summers were spent working in the environmental section of TxDOT's Atlanta office. I decided that was the field that I wanted to be in so I changed my major.
2.) What do you like most about your job?
Not being stuck in front of a computer all of the time. My job requires field work and we run across all kinds of interesting things in the field. We do various field surveys for the following: endangered species, wetland delineation, vegetation surveys, archeological and historical surveys, coordinating public meetings and hearings, etc... So basically I like to go out in the field.
3.) What do you like least about your job?
Paper work has gotten pretty ridiculous over the last few years. I hate filing all of the paper documentation. My desk is a fire hazard. Sometimes the public involvement phase of a project can be intense when dealing with the public.
4.) If you could do anything besides being and environmental specialist, what would you do?
Interesting question. My degree is in environmental geology so I could work in oil patch. I would probably rather work electronic gadgets-maybe a cell phone dealer or something.
5.) What did you work before you worked at TXDOT?
I worked as a geologist at a Texas Utilities lignite mine in Central, Texas. The job was ok but not like the safety hazards involved with working in a coal mine.
6.) On average, how much do environmental specialist make?
That's a tough question. Hmmm. Entry level -$26 to $29 thousand a year. I would say average pay is $40 to $44 thousand for folks who have been with the TxDOT a few years. Senior people make $50 to $60 or more. That is just a guess. Environmental Specialist in the private sector make 1.5 to 2 times more than state employees. Only problem is that they change jobs a lot.
7.) What are your primary job responsibilities?
Making sure that TxDOT meets its environmental responsibilitiesinvolved with project development. Most highway construction projects require environmental clearance before they can be constructed. So we have to write environmental documents detailing what will/will not be impacted as a result of a proposed project. The documents are broken down into the following types: Small scale projects with little or no impact on the environment are called Categorical Exclusion (CE) documents- basically they will not have a significant impact on the human environment so they are categorically excluded from further study. Usually CE documents can be 6 to 12 pages in length. Typical projects are minor road widenings, culvert/bridge replacement, roadway rehabilitations. CE project are typically cleared in about 4 to 6 months. Next up would be writing Environmental Assessments (EA). These projects include major highway widenings like from two lane undivided to four-lane divided highways. Lots of land being purchased for additional right-of-way which is needed to accomodate the larger roadway. EA documents usually result in a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) from the Federal Highway Administration. (FHWA). A typical EA can be 20 to 40 pages in length plus exihibits. A (FONSI) usually takes 18 months to gain clearance. Where a project may result in a significant impact we have to do an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). An EIS can be hundreds of pages long. These are typically done for new location roadways like Interstate 49 where numerous design alternatives must be studied before preferred alternative can be chosen. Approval of an EIS may take two to four years to gain a clearance in the form of a Record of Decision from FHWA. Majority of my time is spent doing CE documents.
8.) do you work in one location for long periods of time, or do you move around?
Depends on the type of project and what we find during our field surveys. Wetland and archeological issues can take to resolve with intense scientific study. So it varys from project to project.
9.) Why do you have to have a good relationship with Caddo Indians?
TxDOT frequently finds archaeological sites within proposed highway projects and there are state and federal laws (National Historic Prevention Act of 1966 and Texas Antiqueities Code) that require us to make sure that we preserve our nations heritage. Part of this means we have to survey for archaeological sites. We would rather not disturb a site but many times it is unavoidable. Several of these sites may have been Caddo farmsteads, villages, etc.. So if it is unavoidable then we survey/excave the site to see if there was something special about the site that might require us to preserve it in place or to fully excavate for research purposes. Excavation may lead provide both TxDOT and the Caddo Tribe with additional information about the past history of their tribe in Texas. So TxDOT is required to coordinate with the Caddo Tribe of Oklahoma before an archaeological survey is performed and also provide the findings of the survey once completed.
10.) What does your job have to do with trees and water quality?
Well we have a few wetland mitigation areas where we were required to plant trees in constructed wetlands in order to offset permanent impacts to wetlands due to a road project. Trees help hold the soil which helps keep water cleaner plus they provide shade which can result in cooler water temperatures in the summer. Trees such as river birch, black willow, bald cypress, and water elm, which frequently grow on stream banks or in the channel provide habitat to fish, and other interesting critters.
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