Environmental Overview Study

The Environmental Overview Study describes in general, the physical, social, economic and ecological environment of the Parkersburg-Marietta-Belpre urban area. The topics discussed are: geology, soils, vegetation, wildlife, land use, special factors, transportation, utilities, economic activity, and demography. A series of specific concerns are addressed within each discussion.

The Environmental Overview has been developed as a general information tool to be used specifically for highway system analysis. It does not substitute for a detailed environmental impact statement (EIS) which is required to be prepared for individual projects or proposals. The Overview reaches no conclusions. Rather, the Overview provides the public and those involved in planning and choosing alternatives with a summary of current environmental conditions in Wood and the 7 townships of Washington Counties studied. Beyond its immediate value in providing an overview for transportation planning, the Study is of value to anyone concerned with the orderly and sensitive development of the region.

You can download the Final Draft of the 2010 Environmental Overview Study by clicking the link below.

Environmental Overview Study 2010 - FINAL DRAFT (30 MB PDF file)