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    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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    <atom:link href="https://rip.trb.org/Record/RSS?s=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" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
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    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
    <docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs>
    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
    <image>
      <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
      <url>https://rip.trb.org/Images/PageHeader-wTitle-RIP.jpg</url>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
    </image>
    <item>
      <title>Improved VDOT Bioretention Media Specification</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2672501</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) uses bioretention as a stormwater control measure (SCM); however, the most recent special provision for VDOT bioretention soil media requires that testing the media’s infiltration rate use a unique mesocosm test method, outlined in VTM-134 (VDOT, 2025), which presents five challenges.  These are (1) inconsistency in how the media is placed and ultimately compacted in the test apparatus and therefore potential variability in the test results; (2) lack of labs willing to run the mesocosm test (only one in Virginia does this); (3) large amount of media required (40 5-gallon buckets of media and related materials); (4) lack of information proving this test is needed to procure successful bioretention soil media; and (5) a cost of $6,000 to run one test.  Due to these challenges, few media providers both try to meet the requirements and then succeed in doing so, which ultimately increases the overall project costs when bioretention is selected as the SCM.  A unique aspect of testing a media’s infiltration rate using the mesocosm test is consideration of how both de-icing salts and wet and dry cycles (to mimic rainfall patterns) impact a media’s infiltration rate. These unique aspects of the mesocosm test appear to be why it’s included in the current special provision. This study will recommend a specification for VDOT bioretention soil media that addresses the five challenges of the mesocosm test method to determine the media’s infiltration rate based on laboratory testing.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:50:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2672501</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Innovative Stormwater Solutions for Linear Projects</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2486932</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Managing stormwater is a critical part of any transportation infrastructure project, both during construction and long term. Meeting water quality requirements during long linear projects is challenging given limited right of way and resources; this is especially true in tight urban areas. The increase in impervious surfaces has increased the amount of water that must be managed (as opposed to being absorbed into the ground). There are different types of challenges managing stormwater within urban and rural areas, each require different approaches and techniques. For each, the creation and maintenance of stormwater infrastructure have different implications for roadside infrastructure and vegetation. Finally, there are multiple different challenges that occur at different timeframes, from short term construction challenges to longer term infrastructure and maintenance concerns.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2025 10:14:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2486932</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A Multi-Criteria Framework for Selecting Nature-Based Solutions for Remnant Properties for Regulatory Credit</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2604609</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The primary objective of this research is to develop and implement a robust multi-criteria decision support framework to enable the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to strategically leverage remnant properties as nature-based solutions for regulatory credit under the Department’s statewide National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater permit (NCS000250) and under state nutrient management strategy rules. In recent years NCDOT has experienced a significant escalation in construction costs, including costs associated with designing and constructing stormwater control measures along existing highways as is required by Section 3.6.1 of the NPDES stormwater permit and 15A NCAC 02B .0281 (9)(d) of the Falls Lake nutrient management strategy rules. In an effort to control construction and long-term maintenance costs, NCDOT piloted a project to retain ownership of four adjacent remnant parcels in Division 5 (Falls Lake watershed) and quantify the stormwater management benefits of maintaining the parcels in an undeveloped land cover. The NC Department of Environmental Quality formally recognizes land conservation as a creditable compliance practice and NCDOT demonstrated that the pilot project saved the Department $3,500,000 in avoided design, construction, and long-term maintenance costs of stormwater infrastructure relative to the value of the properties if sold on the open market. The success of the pilot project in Division 5 has demonstrated that remnant properties from right-of-way acquisitions provide a unique opportunity to provide a value-added repurposing of underutilized assets. The aim of this framework is to align NCDOT's stormwater management compliance obligations with the untapped potential of remnant properties by achieving regulatory compliance, environmental sustainability, cost-effectiveness, social impact, and asset optimization through the strategic deployment of nature-based solutions (NBS).
To achieve this objective, the research begins with a systematic literature review, identifying best practices and relevant frameworks in stormwater management and NBS. The research team will then conduct expert interviews and surveys to engage NBS experts and practitioners. Next, the team will conduct outreach activities to engage NCDOT stakeholders, ensuring their valuable input is incorporated into the decision-making process. Then the team will collate the knowledge gained in these tasks to develop an adaptable, data-driven decision support framework. Lastly, the team will use the newly developed framework to conduct real-world case studies that will test the framework's efficacy, including sensitivity analysis to ensure robustness and flexibility. By combining scientific rigor, expert input, stakeholder engagement, and practical application, the research approach aims to produce a tool bridges the gap between sustainability and effective stormwater management.
This research holds significant importance for both NCDOT and the broader community. It positions NCDOT as a leader in sustainable stormwater management, leveraging remnant properties to reduce costs, enhance environmental stewardship, engage communities, and meet regulatory obligations. Anticipated outcomes include a versatile decision support tool that can be adapted for various scenarios, insights from case studies that provide real-world applicability, and sensitivity analysis results to ensure the framework's robustness. Ultimately, the research empowers NCDOT to make informed decisions that benefit economic efficiency, ecological health, and social well-being in the realm of stormwater management, setting a precedent for sustainable practices in transportation agencies.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2025 14:04:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2604609</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Traversable Postconstruction Stormwater Check Dams in Clear Zones


</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2558390</link>
      <description><![CDATA[State departments of transportation (DOTs) must comply with stormwater discharge requirements under the Clean Water Act. Clear zones within the highway right-of-way often provide suitable locations for stormwater management close to the source of runoff. Roadway swales with check dams are a common, cost-effective solution for stormwater quantity and quality control in these clear zones. 

Current guidelines do not provide recommendations for the design of check dams in clear zones. Additionally, check dam design must be compatible with the primary purpose of clear zones: vehicular safety. Concerns have been raised about check dams causing vehicles to vault into oncoming traffic or rollovers. Research is needed to support the development of check dam design specifications that meet state DOT safety requirements and to help achieve water quality goals.

The objective of this research is to develop a guide and accompanying site assessment decision support tool for designing traversable postconstruction check dams in clear zones. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 May 2025 13:28:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2558390</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Assessing Effectiveness of Pond Sediment Removal for Phosphorus Management in Stormwater Ponds</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2387527</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Stormwater ponds are plentiful in Minnesota and can be useful in treating stormwater runoff. Some ponds, however, can re-release phosphorus. This project will investigate the effectiveness of sediment removal in improving stormwater quality and reducing phosphorus downstream. It will also explore if sediment should be treated to reduce phosphorus release during dredging.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 07 Jun 2024 09:25:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2387527</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Nebraska Department of Transportation's (NDOT) Construction Stormwater Detention Measures Using Full-Scale Testing Techniques</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2387162</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Earthmoving activities associated with highway construction create increased risk of downstream pollution from stormwater runoff. Rainfall dislodges sediment and runoff mobilizes soil particles and other pollutants that can cause significant risk to receiving water bodies. Excessive sediment in waterways can harm aquatic life by increasing turbidity, reducing fish habitats, as well as increasing the risk of flooding by reducing the flow capacity of rivers and streams. The cost of sediment in surface waters is drastic, with the cost of sediment pollution being estimated at $16 billion in 1998, including the physical, biological, and chemical damages caused by unmanaged or improperly managed stormwater discharges.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Jun 2024 16:47:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2387162</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Field and Laboratory Evaluation of Roadside Soil Quality Restoration Practices</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2344961</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Stormwater control measures (SCMs) are important to mitigate the stormwater quantity and quality of land development on roadsides. Runoff from impervious pavement surfaces creates a substantial disturbance to natural hydrologic processes. Many options are available to manage stormwater on roadsides including detention basins, bioretention basins, and permeable pavements. However, these structural-based practices are costly to build and maintain. An alternative cost-effective SCM is to restore the quality of the existing roadside topsoil. In the proposed study, various cost-effective soil quality restoration treatments will be evaluated to effectively manage stormwater runoff on roadsides. The main goal of this research project is to quantify the improvements for vegetation establishment and subsequent stormwater volume reduction by the proposed soil quality restoration treatments. The research methodology involves conducting both field and greenhouse experiments to determine the selection and mixing ratios of different cost-effective additives such as composts, proprietary soil amendments, and biochars for rapid restoration of roadside soil quality. This work will also investigate the impact of soil compaction and tillage effects on roadside soil quality restoration. Primary tasks for the project will be the development of a specification and implementable guidance for these restoration techniques. The objectives will be achieved in six phases: (1) review of current Iowa DOT practices; (2) collection and determination of the physicochemical properties of the soils and additives mentioned above; (3) greenhouse study; (4) construction and monitoring of field plots; (5) cost analyses; and (6) development of an implementable guideline to help in the selection of the proper additive materials and mixing ratios, and construction and maintenance methods (e.g., mower type and mowing frequency) for roadside soil quality restoration in terms of performance and cost-benefit. The outcome of this research in the form of a construction guideline and a design specification could be immediately implemented by Iowa DOT.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Feb 2024 19:29:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2344961</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Water quality monitoring network to assess downstream efficacy of green infrastructure and provenance of non-point source pollutants</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2264209</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The research team proposes to establish a water quantity and water quality monitoring network that can be leveraged to evaluate the efficacy of green infrastructure to reduce runoff volumes and identify the provenance of non-point source pollutants in downstream water bodies.
In urban settings, rivers and streams are frequently afflicted by the so-called “urban stream syndrome,” which results from hydraulic alteration of stream channels, increased runoff from impervious areas, non-point source pollution, and modification to the lateral connectivity of the stream to its hillslopes. Urban streams are frequently classified as “flashy,” meaning that transport of water, sediment, other non-point source pollutants occur in brief, yet powerful pulses. This results in a stream system that simultaneously delivers increased discharge and non-point source pollutants during storms, but rapidly dries during recession periods. This has implications for both freshwater ecosystems and water-related infrastructure. 

One approach to combat the urban stream syndrome includes the application of green infrastructure in disturbed landscapes and investigation of the provenance of non-point source pollutants. To evaluate the performance of green infrastructure, extensive in situ monitoring equipment is commonly used on site. While such monitoring indicates that green infrastructure indeed improves on-site water quantity and water quality, a pressing need exists to evaluate the efficacy of green infrastructure to mediate water quantity (including streamflow permanence) and water quality in downstream waterways. Furthermore, the extent to which the effects of green infrastructure perpetuate to downstream water bodies is currently unknown.
The team proposes to establish a water quality and water quantity monitoring network to evaluate the downstream impacts of green infrastructure on water bodies and identify the provenance of non-point source pollutants. The monitoring network will consist of state-of-the-art, multi-parameter water quality and water quantity platforms. Parameters monitored at the platforms will include discharge, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, temperature, turbidity, NO3-, and streamflow presence/absence. Readings will be recorded every 15-minutes. 
The Middle Fork of Beargrass Creek, located within Louisville, KY, will be the testbed to evaluate downstream impacts of green infrastructure. 84% of the Middle Fork of Beargrass Creek is classified as “developed”, and a federal consent decree to reduce combined sewer overflows in Beargrass Creek is currently enacted.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Oct 2023 19:11:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2264209</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Subsurface Contamination Modeling and Remediation Techniques </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2263741</link>
      <description><![CDATA[More than half of the US population consumes groundwater for drinking. Thus, introducing any type of contaminants into the groundwater table can risk the lives of more than half of the population. Contaminants from multiple sources can impact the drinking water wells and other receptors. When contaminants are transferred to the groundwater, they will make their way to water wells and drinking water supplies. Soluble contaminants, such as road salts, can easily migrate into the ground, reach the groundwater, and negatively affect the shallow groundwater and freshwater systems. An increase in road salts will have a negative effect on groundwater. Recently, several private wells in the town of Orleans in New York State reported the presence of road salts that were transferred through the groundwater flow. However, non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) that are not highly soluble may have considerably longer residence times in the soil zone. NAPLs are hydrocarbons and are classified into two categories: (i) light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs), which have less density than water, and (ii) dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs), which are denser than water. In either case, a physical interface between the water and NAPLs prevents the mixing of groundwater and contaminants.
In this proposed study, a finite element model (FEM) will be developed to analyze contaminant transport within the vadose zone and saturated zone. The developed multiphase fluid flow models will be used to study the movement of soluble contaminants, such as road salts, as they precipitate downward to the groundwater table. Additionally, the FEM model will be further modified to capture the flow of NAPL contaminants through the soil medium. The proposed research project consists of three phases: (1) Developing and validating an FEM that can simulate the movement of precipitation and rainfall from the ground surface and unsaturated zone into the groundwater. (2) Modifying the developed FEM model to analyze the contaminants flow in the soil medium by considering the advection and the interplay of diffusion limitation, adsorption, and partitioning between contaminants and soil. (3) Reviewing and proposing several remediation techniques for various contaminants, depending on the specific job site, to be employed in practical sites selected by local and state level departments of transportation (DOTs).
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Oct 2023 19:00:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2263741</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Nanotechnology-enabled sustainable and cement-free pervious concrete pavement</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2263532</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Project Description: This proposed project aims to further advance the “greening” of pervious concrete pavement through the utilization of nanotechnology. Different from Phase I of this project, the Phase II will further incorporate three green technologies into the pervious concrete: (1) use seawater (in place of potable water) and sea sand (in place of river sand); (2) use slag and class F harvested fly ash (HFA, in place of class C high-quality fly ash); and (3) use carbon-negative biochar to partially replace the fly ash-based geopolymer binder.  Note that in the Phase I project, we leverage two WSU-patented technologies (US Patent 10647612 on geopolymer binder and a non-provisional patent on nano-engineered penetrating sealer) to develop a sustainable pervious concrete technology. Different from conventional pervious concrete, this technology will feature: 1) 100% replacement of cement by a cement-free geopolymer binder made possible by modifying waterglass-activated fly ash with less than 0.05 wt.% graphene oxide (a novel nanomaterial); 2) greatly improved durability of the pervious concrete pavement by customized design of initial water infiltration rate and treatment of hardened concrete by a nano-engineered waterproofing sealer.

US DOT Priorities: The project advances the “Climate and Sustainability” strategic goal of US DOT, as it produces research that leads to more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation systems.

Outputs: By using seawater, sea sand, HFA, and biochar to produce "greener" pervious concrete, this project will likely produce patentable technology. The project will also produce publications, presentations, and technical reports that produce improved understanding of how to enable the use of such unconventional constituents in pervious concrete. This project will produce at least one paper for presentation at the TRB annual meeting (or equivalent) and at least one publication in peer-reviewed journal. The PI will deliver a presentation at the ERTC3 annual meeting and deliver one webinar on behalf of ERTC3 to the broader audience.

Outcomes/Impacts: This project will produce knowledge and know-how to enable the production of a notably more sustainable pervious concrete mixture. This work is expected to produce substantial benefits for state departments of transportation (DOTs), county, city and/or tribal stakeholders where seawater, sea sand and harvested fly ash are readily available. Pervious concrete enables the use of space that is already part of the roadway system for stormwater runoff control, thus reducing the need for additional land. Reducing the amount of impervious surfaces may reduce or prevent the need for other stormwater management infrastructure (e.g., ponds, wetlands, and vegetated swales and filter strips), by decreasing the volume, flow rate and contaminant loading in stormwater runoff. Other potential benefits include: reducing heat-island effect and pavement noise; reducing hydroplaning, glaring or other safety hazards due to water on pavements; and minimizing impact to the local ecosystem. The expanded use of fly ash and other recycled materials in concrete will also be enabled. Application of results could contribute to globally significant environmental parameters including: improved water quality, reduced waste and greenhouse gas emissions, and reduced natural resource extraction.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Oct 2023 18:54:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2263532</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Transport and Mitigation of Tire and Road Wear Microparticles in Stormwater Runoff from Highways</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2263200</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This proposed project aims to identify the transport and mitigation of tire and road wear microparticles in highway stormwater runoff. We will mainly focus on tire wear microplastics containing 6-PPD.  The composition of the tire is a chemically complex and heterogeneous mixture having about 5–10% additives required for its stability and durability. Therefore, a tire can contain as many as 200 various additives. That can be leached from tire and road wear particles (TRWPs) into the aquatic environment. Although predicting material leachability from tires and their subsequent potential risk for the ecosystem was indicated in the early nineties, very few studies have been reported investigating TRWP leachates. Very recently, a study has published an oxidation product of tire antioxidant N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-pphenylenediamine (6-PPD), 6-PPD-quinone, as the lethal cause of coho salmon mortality(1).  6PPD quinone (the transformation product of 6PPD) has been reported in roadway runoff, tire rubber leachates, and road dust. Although very little information exists regarding the occurrence and fate of 6PPD quinone in the environment, this chemical is assumed to be present in surface waters globally because of the widespread use of the parent compound. The toxicity of 6PPD quinone could be a global threat to aquatic species and may not be limited to coho salmon only. 

Scope of Work: This will continue our current project for Year 2. We will accomplish the goal of this project through four tasks. We have already finished Task 1 and Task 2 and started Task 3. In Year 2, we plan to finish Task 2 by 7/31/2024 and Task 3 by 12/31/2024. We plan to begin Task 4 from 01/01/2025.
Task 1.  Literature Review  (completion date: 03/31/2024) 
Task 2. Measurement of Tire and Road Wear Microparticles in Stormwater  (Completion date: 07/31/2024)
Task 3 . Experimental Approaches for Mitigation Strategies (50% complete; expected end date: 12/31/2024)
Task 4. Modeling Approaches for Mitigation Strategies (estimated start date: 01/01/2025; estimated end date: 05/31/2025)

US DOT Priorities: The study effort aligns with the USDOT's dedication to sustainability and environmental preservation. The study advances knowledge about tire wear debris in the environment by examining the stability and removal of tire particles in water bodies. This information is essential for creating mitigation plans that work and encouraging environmentally friendly transportation behaviors. This study's results can influence policy choices and direct the creation of affordable mitigation infrastructure for this emerging pollution. The proper filtration media can be integrated into existing roadside structures, such as roadside shoulder, which will ultimately help create a more sustainable transportation system.

Outputs: Our technical deliverable will make recommendations concerning the types of best management practices (BMPs) and mitigation measures needed to remove tire and road wear microparticles containing 6-PPD as well as the resulting oxidized 6PPD-quinone potentially present during stormwater flows. 

Outcomes/Impacts: The research investigated the transport and removal of tire particles in various water bodies. The rate of aggregation and the zeta potential were measured in different synthetic water samples (Figure 2a). It was discovered that tire particles exhibited minimal aggregation in most aquatic environments including stormwater. High mobility of tire particles poses a significant environmental concern due to their widespread distribution. 

Figure 2: Findings from Task 2 and Task 3 show the lack of aggregation of tire wear particles in stormwater in Figure1a. Figure 1b presents the filtration pattern of tire wear particles through sand filter. Zn was used as marker for tire wear particles.

Filtration of tire wear particles on the roadside shoulder was identified as a possible solution. Column filtration experiments were conducted. However, removing tire particles through filtration using a white quartz sand column was inefficient in the preliminary studies (Figure 2b). These findings highlight the need for developing more effective strategies to mitigate the environmental impact of tire wear particles. Based on these findings, we will explore additional filtration media for removal of tire wear particles from stormwater.  
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Oct 2023 18:50:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2263200</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Strategic Mowing and Nutrients in Roadway Stormwater</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2236946</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Nutrients including phosphorus and nitrogen can be carried to streams in stormwater and contribute to water quality issues in some watersheds in Ohio, including harmful algal blooms (HABs). While agricultural runoff is the major source of nutrients in Ohio's watersheds, there may be small amounts of nutrients in stormwater running off of Ohio's roads. Currently, portions of Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT's) right-of-way outside of the clear zone may be mowed only once per year.  There are many considerations to determine when that full mow back may occur (i.e., weather, wildlife, aesthetics, ground saturation, workforce schedule, availability, etc.). Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB's) in Ohio are most likely to occur in the spring compared to the fall or winter. This research will help develop potential best management practices associated with mowing at strategic times to reduce the organic material available to be washed away in stormwater and ultimately to reduce nutrient loads during times that harmful algal blooms are most likely. This project's objective will determine if strategic mowing of roadway right-of-way could be an implementable and cost-effective best management practice to reduce the potential for HABs and will quantify the nutrient loading from typical Ohio roads and assess the specific sources of those nutrients. The overall goal of this research is to assess the appropriateness of potential strategic mowing as a best management practice to aid in ODOT's compliance with the nutrient reduction requirements in future the MS4 permit.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Aug 2023 09:46:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2236946</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Synthesis of Information Related to Highway Practices. Topic 55-11. Construction Stormwater Program Management, Tracking, Reporting, and Compliance</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2226011</link>
      <description><![CDATA[State departments of transportation (DOTs) are responsible for maintaining state transportation systems while simultaneously maintaining environmental compliance. State DOT construction activities are required to comply with federal and state National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction General Permit (CGP) requirements. The regulations require state DOTsto implement policies, procedures, and practicesto minimize offsite discharges of sedimentladen stormwater to protect downstream receiving water bodies during construction. To obtain permit coverage, regulated construction activities require the development, implementation, and maintenance of project specific Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs). The SWPPP provides construction stormwater-related management requirements and details on the installation and maintenance of structural and non-structural practices implemented during land disturbing activities. State DOTs nationwide are faced with CGP implementation challenges as they frequently find themselves needing to be flexible and creative with how to address, track, and report on construction stormwater compliance. There are a diverse range of platforms that provide a variety of tools that assist state DOTs with addressing construction stormwater compliance requirements. The objective of this synthesis is to document state DOT practices, tools, and approaches for managing compliance with state and federal construction stormwater permit requirements.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Aug 2023 17:00:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2226011</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Field-Cured Products and Water Quality: A Guide for Screening and Risk Mitigation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2188136</link>
      <description><![CDATA[State departments of transportation (DOTs) routinely receive requests from vendors to approve new products and materials. These products may involve in-the-field curing of materials such as sprays, foams, epoxies, or resins in constructing or maintaining culverts, pipes, or bridge supports. These products are in contact with surface water and may pose adverse impacts to water quality. Although manufacturers may provide evidence of meeting required laboratory testing standards indicating minimized or no impacts to water quality, several studies have nonetheless documented adverse effects during and after installation. Although some DOTs have developed specifications for certain repair methods, they do not have methods to screen products for environmental impacts. Finally, the fast-paced nature of product innovation presents DOTs with several challenges to ensuring products will not put surface waters at or near project sites at risk.  

Products should be screened before use and properly field-cured to minimize adverse water-quality effects. Even with screening, risks may manifest from (1) the product not performing outside of laboratory conditions due to differing environmental conditions that are difficult to simulate, (2) installation not being performed to manufacturer specifications, (3) incomplete cure or extended cure times, and/or (4) long-term abrasion of the product from debris or sediment flows. Research is needed to provide DOTs with a standard framework to consider a range of products and installation procedures that require in-the-field curing and mechanisms to minimize risks to water quality. 

The objective of this research is to develop a three-part guide for evaluating products that cure in the field, such as sprays, foams, epoxies, or resins used in constructing or maintaining culverts, pipes, or bridge supports that may be in contact with surface water.  

At a minimum, the guide will deliver (1) a testing protocol for manufacturers to follow so that DOTs can qualify in-the-field curing products prior to product approval, (2) an implementable and consistent protocol with methods for field testing to ensure minimum impact on water quality, and (3) procedures or processes for DOTs to address risk factors.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 May 2023 19:43:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2188136</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluate Sources and Reduction Potential for Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Vegetated and Un-Vegetated Ditches</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2114833</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Ohio has one of the nation's largest roadway systems exceeding 121,000-miles and the Ohio Department of Transportation is responsible for ~16% (i.e., 19,470-miles) of the overall network (ODOT, 2020). In areas where right-of-way is relatively inexpensive, open channels (ditches) parallel to the road are constructed to efficiently drain the roadway and provide safe travel conditions during wet weather. They also provide for pollutant removal through sedimentation, filtration, infiltration, plant uptake, and soil processes (Winston et al. 2012). Finally, they can provide a host of other ecosystem services including carbon sequestration (Bouchard et al. 2013) and habitat (Forman et al., 1998) for species in landscapes that are highly managed (e.g. agriculture). These ditches often outfall into streams and rivers, contributing flow and transporting nutrients and other pollutants to receiving waters. 

The ability of ditches to function for efficient pollution control is largely dependent on the vegetation (or lack thereof) in the channel. However, most previous research on roadside ditches focuses on systems planted with turfgrass. Few studies have focused on ditches in low-lying areas which may develop (unintended) wetland conditions. These wetland ditches possess vegetation and processes which might remove nutrients more efficiently than standard turfgrass ditches. Further, ditch maintenance in both grassed and wetland ditches often requires highway technicians or contractors to "dip out" accumulated sediments to restore hydraulic capacity resulting in the complete removal of vegetation from the ditch. These denuded ditches can be subject to erosion until stabilizing vegetation takes root.

The overarching goal of the proposed study is to gain a better understanding of the extent to which roadside ditches impact watershed hydrology and nutrient processing, storage, and transport. The research team also seeks to develop methods and tools that could inform ditch maintenance decisions with water quality as a consideration. To achieve these goals, the team proposes the following specific objectives: (1) Utilize geospatial data and geographic information systems (GIS): (a) to determine the proportion of watersheds that drain through roadside ditches, and (b) to identify candidate watersheds and sites that span a range of land uses (i.e. forested, agricultural, and residential or developed) for further sampling, (2) Quantify the volume and physical/chemical properties of sediments deposited in ditches throughout the state and across a gradient of land use types to establish sediment and nutrient accumulation rates in ditches, (3) Evaluate a practical and low-cost method to determine if sediments captured in roadside ditches represent an environmental risk for nutrient release, (4) Conduct upstream-downstream water quality sampling in vegetated and unvegetated ditches, and  (5) Assess the potential for beneficial reuse of dredged ditch sediments as a soil amendment and fertilizer alternative in agricultural fields.
        ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2023 09:13:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2114833</guid>
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