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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>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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      <title>Feasibility and Efficiency of Onsite DGS Wastewater Disposal</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2422889</link>
      <description><![CDATA[​Diamond grinding slurry (DGS) is a waste by-product of road resurfacing and maintenance operations. The state of North Carolina currently allows land application of this slurry with a permit. However, the most common disposal method is having the slurry hauled to a press plate system where the solids are removed and used as backfill or sent to a landfill, and the water is recycled into the grinding operation. Recently, sediment basins have emerged as a way to manage DGS onsite. Research supported by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) (RP 2023-06) is currently investigating the efficiency of these basins at separating DGS. With this research, a new area of interest has emerged: the wastewater generated from the basin after settling the solids.

The proposed project aims to investigate if using this wastewater on site is feasible, increasing the cost-effectiveness of the sediment basin separation. Through greenhouse and field trials, wastewater application as irrigation will be tested for its effect on vegetation establishment and growth, as well as possible impacts on soil properties and the environment. The results of this research would allow the NCDOT and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) to make informed decisions regarding the current permitting process for DGS sediment basins and the land application of the slurry or its wastewater.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Aug 2024 07:27:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2422889</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Methane Energy Generation Project Phase 4</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1906169</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project aims to build off the previous design (WA-RD 901.1) to create an energy recapture and generation system applicable to the Safety Rest Area’s (SRA) or other public facilities operated by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). This system uses methane generated in the wastewater conveyance process to create electrical energy to run the SRA with the possibility to send excess electricity to the grid. This project revolves around two high-priority problems: (1) reduce greenhouse and prevent harmful gas release into the atmosphere, and (2) quell operational and capital costs at SRA’s while fulfilling regulatory requirements. Currently, methane, as well as other environmentally impactful gasses such as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), escape into the atmosphere without treatment at the sewer facilities located at Safety Rest Area’s (SRA) that are operated by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Utilizing sewer system gases at SRA’s could potentially allow for significant operational cost reductions for WSDOT, as they maintain and operate numerous facilities, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Jan 2022 11:49:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1906169</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Guidebook for PFAS Management at Airports</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1729484</link>
      <description><![CDATA[An unknown yet potentially significant number of airports have site soils, groundwater, and/or wastewater that contain one or more per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). PFAS is used in many products, one of which is fire-suppressing aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) that commercial airports are required to use by the Federal Aviation Administration. While their unique chemical properties offer enhanced fire suppression capability, there is growing attention to their release into the environment. Emerging science, increased regulatory attention, and heightened community focus are elevating PFAS issues at airports. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently issued recommendations and an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking related to PFAS, and many states are similarly moving to PFAS regulation. As greater attention is paid to the issue, airports are faced with a growing need to address PFAS legacy environmental impacts and prevent future PFAS problems. Research is needed to develop a resource for airports to help them understand the issues associated with PFAS and manage PFAS at their facility in an evolving regulatory environment. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to develop a guidebook to help airports of various levels of activity, resources, and subject matter expertise develop a plan to manage PFAS at their facilities. At a minimum, the guidebook should include sections targeted to planning and environmental practitioners, ARFF personnel, and senior management, and should help airports prepare a plan tailored to their unique situation.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2020 16:42:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1729484</guid>
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      <title>Best Practices for the Reduction, Reuse, and Recycling of Vehicle Wash Water
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1589328</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is seeking to optimize vehicle/equipment washing practices with respect to: (1) Compliance with Federal and State requirements for the discharge of wastewater; (2) Environmental and economic sustainability; and (3) Corrosion-related vehicle/equipment maintenance costs and vehicle/equipment longevity. To further this goal, vehicle washing and housekeeping practices, wash water recycling systems, using rinse/wash water as a brine ingredient, and how different washing methods affect vehicle/equipment corrosion will be examined during the course of this research project.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2019 16:27:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1589328</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <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>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1474341</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Guidelines for the Waste Concrete Fines</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1334963</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will develop guidelines for using waste concrete fines (and the associated wastewater) in concrete by developing methods to rapidly characterize fines samples and evaluating the performance of concrete using these recycled materials. Work in Stage 1 begins with a literature review on issues related to the use of recycled concrete fines. Subsequently, sources of recycled fines will be identified and samples collected and dried. The fines will be characterized after mixing them with water to create solutions/suspensions with 1 to 15% solids and their indices of refraction, pH, and conductivity will be determined. Mortar samples will then be prepared and their setting times and strengths will be measured for a range of recycled fines contents for fines with varying particle sizes. Correlations will be investigated and established to help develop a performance-prediction model for different recycled fines materials. This model will be used to develop guidelines for the use of recycled concrete fines in new concrete mixtures. In Stage 2, a laboratory-scale water recirculation system will be constructed incorporating in-line (continuous reading) sensors for measuring index of refraction, conductivity, and pH. Waste materials will be added to the recirculation system and evaluated using the in-line sensors. Concrete mixtures will then be prepared using the optimal blends of water from the recirculation system (containing waste concrete fines) and freshwater, based on both the in-line measurements and the characteristics of the desired concrete mixtures. An implementation plan for ready-mix concrete producers when upgrading their plants with in-line sensors will be developed along with instructions on applying the guidelines for use of recycled fines.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2014 01:00:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1334963</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <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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    <item>
      <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>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Feasibility of Biological Production of Hydrogen from Wastewater by a Two-stage Fermentation Process</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1228244</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Rapid development of renewable fuels is a critical challenge globally and a national research priority. Several biologically-produced fuels have emerged as potential alternatives to gasoline in the past several years. Of these, hydrogen is widely believed to be the ultimate energy carrier since it is abundant, clean, and can achieve high energy conversion efficiencies (~50-70%) in fuel cells. Although microorganisms naturally produce hydrogen either through photosynthesis or anaerobic fermentation, current biological technologies are not sufficiently efficient to produce a cost-competitive, alternative fuel. The proposed research aims to lower the cost of biohydrogen by utilizing available waste streams as feedstocks for anaerobic fermentation coupled with photosynthesis. This two-stage fermentation process would utilize the products of fermentation for photosynthesis, producing higher hydrogen yields and off-setting carbon dioxide emissions. These processes have not been combined to treat wastewater and produce hydrogen, and success would aid the development of a clean, renewable hydrogen economy.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 13:17:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1228244</guid>
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