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    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
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    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
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      <title>Food &amp; Flora Waste to Fleet Fuel (F4) Framework: Reaching the Next Technology Readiness Levels</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1756012</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Food & Flora Waste to Fleet Fuel (F4) Framework helps evaluate the economic feasibility of creating renewable fleet fuel using existing wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) digester infrastructure. At WWTPs, food and flora (yard) waste, as well as wastewater sludge, can be used to produce biogas, which can be cleaned for use in natural gas vehicles, or burned to generate electricity for electric vehicles. The project aims to accomplish the following objectives:  
(1) Form and solicit input from a multi-disciplinary Advisory Group of state/regional government officials and industry representatives in transportation, solid waste management, wastewater, and agriculture (farm digesters), to guide advancement of the F4 Framework from TRL 5 to 8.
(2) Upgrade F4 to Version 2.0 via improvements arising from the previous project, Advisory Group recommendations, and case studies to be conducted in Obj. 3.
(3) Conduct case studies for two additional communities for conversion of food/yard waste to fleet fuel, and showcase the use of F4 Version 2.0 to estimate costs, fuel produced, and emission benefits.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 05 Dec 2020 18:54:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1756012</guid>
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      <title>Reducing Service Interruptions in Linear Infrastructure Systems (Transportation and Water/Sewer) by Synchronizing Schedules for Selected Maintenance Activities</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1474341</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Lifeline systems are those facilities that provide the main utility or transportation services to a community (e.g., electric and portable water transmission and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, highways, railroads, seaports and inland waterway ports). The extent of interdependency of the lifeline system plays a significant role in the vulnerability of a community--as one or more systems beginning to fail leads to a domino effect that could result in a major shut down, resulting in both economic and social impacts. Increasing population density and increased vulnerability of the coastal areas to hurricanes have created major challenges for communities especially with increasing awareness after recent disasters (i.e., Katrina and Rita). Lifeline interruption events are linked by time and dynamic interactions among the systems. This research will demonstrate the infrastructure limitations (design and operation) of lifeline facilities for coastal communities, identify critical bottlenecks in service quality and show how failure will propagate through the system. Analysis will be conducted for two case studies to answer the following questions: (1) What are the similarities in service interruption profiles in integrated lifeline systems (transportation, water/sewer)? (2) How do the stages, steps, phases or events relate to one another? (3) What happens if an event does not take place? What is the final outcome? (4) How can we establish check points? (5) How can agencies develop coordinated maintenance schedules to minimize (or reduce) service interruptions and increase maintenance cost effectiveness?]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Jul 2017 01:02:12 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Effect of Low-Impact Sustainable Transportation Design as a Strategy for Alleviating Stormwater Runoff and Reducing GHG Emissions</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1250483</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Transportation networks typically have been designed for maximizing vehicular mobility without accounting for human accessibility or environmental considerations. However, a recent agreement between the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency signifies a shift in thinking towards a more integrated transportation design approach. The agreement recognizes that urban sprawl and impervious surfaces such as roadways, parking lots and sidewalks encourage environmental impacts by enhancing runoff and increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while discouraging sustainable, livable communities. In this proposed effort, we address the integrative goals of the DOT and EPA by examining the potential for low impact transportation design as an option to reduce sewage system costs and environmental GHG and nitrogen releases. Increased stormwater runoff not only generates unhealthy pollutant loads to urban streams, but also represents and increased energy demand on sewage treatment. Classic solutions to obtain a sustainable wastewater infrastructure are costly and disruptive to the transportation infrastructure. The objective of the proposed research is to assess green design alternatives to reduce transportation impacts on combined sewer loading and GHG emissions. "Green" low-impact transportation design strategies reduce runoff loading prior to generation and can also enhance community desirability, livability, and potentially property values. We propose an integrated approach that spanning multiple academic disciplines linking sustainable "green" transportation design principles with environmental implications with stakeholder input. Research will inform as to which design strategies to reduce CSOs and GHG emissions are most effective while maintaining transportation needs, which are preferred by various stakeholders, and how much stakeholders would be willing to pay for individual options.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 01:00:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1250483</guid>
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      <title>National Research and Innovation Liaison Position at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1234789</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Water (OW) administers Federal clean water and safe drinking water laws, provides support for municipal wastewater treatment plants, and takes part in pollution prevention efforts aimed at protecting watersheds and sources of drinking water. The OW carries out both regulatory and voluntary programs to fulfill the Agency's mission to protect the Nation's waters. Transportation infrastructure development occurs on a project by project basis as well as in long-term planning through the activities promoted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Project Development and Environmental Review and the Office of Natural and Human Environment.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:19:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1234789</guid>
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