Synthesis of Information Related to Highway Practices. Topic 55-16. Use of Sustainable Materials for Erosion and Sediment Control Practices

Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) practices are used to prevent soil loss and reduce sediment-laden stormwater runoff. They could be either temporary or permanent and could be used in construction, maintenance, and operations practices. Plastics are commonly used for ESC due to their availability, durability, and cost, but they are rarely recycled and can break down into microplastics, which are an emerging pollutant of concern. The netting of plastic ESC practices can also entangle wildlife. When state DOTs are selecting ESC materials, factors such as availability, cost, performance, and sustainability are considered. As such, many state DOTs have or are working towards innovative practices involving reducing plastic-based products used in ESC. The objective of this synthesis project is to document current use of plastics in ESC practices across state DOTs as well as state DOT policies/plans to reduce or eliminate the use of plastics for ESC practices.

• Record URL:
  http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=5485

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $55000
• Contract Numbers:

  Project 20-05, Topic 55-16

• Sponsor Organizations:

  National Cooperative Highway Research Program

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Nasri, Arefeh

• Performing Organizations:
  ,   Germany 

  MAPLE Consulting, LLC

  Auburn, AL  United States 
• Principal Investigators:

  Perez, Michael

• Start Date: 20230427
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Biodegradability; Erosion control; Materials; Plastics; Runoff; Sediments; State departments of transportation; State of the practice; Sustainable development
• Subject Areas: Construction; Environment; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01884671
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project 20-05, Topic 55-16
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: Jun 6 2023 4:48PM