The DEIS will essentially build on a preliminary environmental assessment - a study of social, economic and environmental characteristics of the three alignments currently under study - and ultimately determine the preferred alignment for the project. Specific areas to be addressed include:

• Human Environment, such as noise and electromagnetic effects
  
• Cultural Environment, such as historic places and parklands, cultural resources and neighborhoods
  
• Natural Environment, such as land use, wildlife and natural habitats, critical areas, wetlands, floodplains and sensitive water features

Along with environmental studies, other complimentary activities will take place, including:

• Preparation of preliminary engineering for the alternative alignment, stations and maintenance facility;
  
• Preparation of passenger ridership projections;
  
• Refinement of estimated passenger revenues;
  
• Refinement of estimated capital and operating costs;
  
• Development of public/private partnerships, management, and financing plans for design, construction, maintenance, financing and operation of a Maglev system
  
• Evaluation of Maglev extensions north of Baltimore and south of Washington, DC