Details:

Journal Title:
Transportation Research Record
Personal Author:
Sparacino, Holden ; Stepenuck, Kristine F. ; Gould, Rachelle K. ; Hurley, Stephanie E.
Sparacino, Holden ; Stepenuck, Kristine F. ; Gould, Rachelle K. ; Hurley, Stephanie E. Less -
NOAA Program & Office:
OAR (Oceanic and Atmospheric Research) ; Sea Grant
OAR (Oceanic and Atmospheric Research) ; Sea Grant Less -
Sea Grant Program:
LCSG (Lake Champlain Sea Grant)
Description:
Chlorides (frequently sodium chloride) are used to improve safety and access to roads and other surfaces in winter. However, chlorides also pose risks to aquatic life and raises human health concerns as they move to surface waterbodies and infiltrate groundwater. In response, many government bodies have adopted winter maintenance best management practices (BMPs) that reduce the amount of chlorides used while providing service and safety. Commercial businesses maintaining parking lots, driveways, and other surfaces have been shown to contribute as much as 50% of the chloride loads to local waterbodies in some areas, but less is known about the potential benefits of private contractors to implement similar BMPs. In addition, many existing resources on the topic are designed for municipal audiences, creating a knowledge gap about the feasibility of private companies to adopt these practices. The authors identified 14 BMPs common to municipal plans with the potential to be adopted by private contractors through a literature review. These practices aim to increase the efficiency of salt applications, and/or decrease environmental impacts while delivering a similar level of service and cost over time. The authors considered potential barriers and benefits to private contractors adopting and using these BMPs. Benefits included reduced liability (e.g., risk of lawsuits), costs, environmental impacts, and improved service. Barriers included additional staff time and training, increased materials, equipment, and maintenance costs. Additional research is needed to ground-truth these predicted motivations and barriers; a greater understanding of private contractor behaviors can enhance educational efforts that promote reduced salt practices.
Keywords:
[+]
Roads Water Quality
Source:
Transportation Research Record 2676(3): 507-520
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1177/03611981211052538
Document Type:
Journal Article
Place as Subject:
Champlain, Lake
Rights Information:
Accepted Manuscript
Compliance:
Submitted
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:fe5d4feae117d3497a486fc9554d86edaa42a8284e72b083ceec7cb9c14ce29c
Download URL:
https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/41708/noaa_41708_DS1.pdf
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