Minnesota Department of Transportation

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Environmental Investigation

Hazard Evaluation Process

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) uses the Hazard Evaluation Process (HEP) to perform a due diligence review on products or proposed re-use of waste materials that have a potential to release chemicals during application or long-term use that could result in contamination of the environment. Products that present low risk of environmental impact are generally not subject to the HEP. The HEP is a part of the larger MnDOT Approved/Qualified Products Process.

As part of the review, MnDOT must balance on a case-by-case basis, the benefits received against criteria such as:

  • Human safety
  • Sustainability
  • Environmental performance
  • Potential future environmental liabilities

Reason for the HEP

Information needed from vendors for MnDOT consideration

  • MnDOT evaluates materials, products or engineered systems for MnDOT use based on Minnesota law. Approvals from other states or governmental agencies do not replace MnDOT evaluation processes.
  • Unless otherwise specified on the specific APL requirements, the initial information from vendors should include the following:
    • Vendor information
      • Vendor information
      • Name of Company
      • Address
      • Technical Contact Name and Telephone Number
    • Technical Data Sheet for product
    • Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for all components of the product; including names and Chemical Abstract Services numbers (CAS numbers) of the reportable substances in the product.

Additional information will likely be needed after the initial review of the product information. The type of product, including its complexity and how it is used, will dictate additional testing needed. Some product types have specific testing requirements, and they are listed in the qualification information on the product’s APL page. More information is generally required for products that are applied directly to the landscape or have the potential to escape to surface waters. Refer to the APL page for the product of interest, to determine if any HEP requirements are specified.

With their application, the Vendor is encouraged to supply any information or testing results that would assist in determining the fate or effects of the product when used on the landscape or after disposal. Results from standardized testing methods are preferred (e.g., EPA or OECD methods). Some examples of information that is helpful in evaluation is data pertaining to:

Links to methods are provided for convenience, but equivalent standardized methods can also be used.