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SECTON 6 – MITIGATION FOR SECONDARY AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
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Durham with the Towns of Cary, Morrisville, and RTP. The project explored and analyzed
regional growth scenarios for associated trade-offs and impacts on the transportation
network. The recommendations in these plans for appropriate sizing of roads are
incorporated into the State’s Transportation Improvement Program (TJCOG, 2013). Triangle
Transit also coordinates a ride-sharing program for regional commuters.
In September 2012, Wake County released an updated draft of the Wake County Transit
Plan, which is pending action from the Wake County Board of Commissioners. The Plan
was developed in cooperation with several partners, including CAMPO, Triangle Transit,
the RTA, and the City of Raleigh’s Capital Area Transit. The Plan provides a dual approach
to meet expanding transportation demands as the County continues to grow: (1) a core
transit plan that broadens local and commuter bus service and includes a rush-hour
commuter rail service from Garner to Durham; and (2) an enhanced transit plan that
includes a regional light rail service (Wake County, 2012).
The EIS prepared for the regional light rail project indicates that parking areas to serve the
light rail system will not impact levels of carbon monoxide. The EIS also indicates that the
light rail system will result in lower levels of vehicle pollutant emissions (USDOT, 2002).
NCDOT is also in the process of planning for a southeast high-speed rail service that will
connect Washington, D.C., to Charlotte. The project will be developed incrementally based
on available funding. NCDOT has used federal stimulus funding to add commuter routes
between Charlotte and Raleigh (SEHSR, 2012). Improved alternative transportation options
have the potential to improve air quality by reducing traffic congestion.
The RTA, founded by the Cary, Chapel Hill-Carrboro, Durham, and Raleigh Chambers of
Commerce in 1999, serves as a regional business voice for transportation initiatives.
Currently, the RTA’s members include more than 100 businesses, two metropolitan
planning organizations (MPOs), Triangle Transit, and RDU. The Town is an active member
of this group, which continues to focus on advancing multi-modal solutions needed to
sustain prosperity and enhance quality of life (RTA, 2013). The Triangle Clean Cities
Coalition was also founded in 1999, and brings together fleet managers, local and state
government officials, fuel and vehicle providers, and interested resident groups, to reduce
dependence on petroleum by promoting alternative transportation fuels (TCCC, 2010).
In 2009, Wake County appointed a sustainability task force to address conservation and
reduction goals for solid waste, water, and energy which are related to improved air quality
within the region. The 2011 sustainability task force report identified several strategies and
performance measures for each of those goals related to air quality (Wake County, 2011).
Further information on this program is included in Appendix B.
6.2.9
Tree Protection
Tree protection and planting is addressed in the Town’s UDO, Transportation Plan, and
other policies. The Town recognizes that preserving existing healthy vegetation on a site
during development enhances the visual character of the community and provides
environmental benefits, such as habitat and temperature control.
Sections 5.4, 5.12, and 8.1 of the UDO address tree protection and landscaping. Some of the
specific provisions of ordinances related to protecting the natural environment include: