WTI

Recommendation for Winter Traction Materials Management on Roadways Adjacent to Bodies of Water

Primary Investigator Contact Information

External Project Contact(s)

Report(s)

1. Executive Summary: Recommendations for Winter Traction Materials Management on Roadways Adjacent to Bodies of Water
   1. Xianming Shi, James Mark Staples, Laura Gamradt, Otto Stein
   2. 425081_Final_Report_ES.pdf
2. Recommendations for Winter Traction Materials Management on Roadways Adjacent to Bodies of Water
   1. Xianming Shi, James Mark Staples, Laura Gamradt, Otto Stein
   2. 425081_Final_Report.pdf

Project Objective

To develop a comprehensive document for the management of winter road traction materials on Montana highways so that the impacts on the adjacent aquatic resources from such materials will be minimized.

Project Abstract

Highway-runoff may have adverse effects on the adjacent aquatic resources if no measures are taken to remove potential contaminants before the runoff reaches the receiving water. In the State of Montana, frequent salting and sanding activities may impact nearby receiving waters by increasing sediment and contaminant loads, while sudden snowmelt and rain-on-snow events can produce large runoff volumes that may overwhelm strategies designed to minimize these impacts. This project will review existing strategies used to minimize highway-runoff impacts on aquatic resources due to winter sanding activities with special focus on techniques that are most applicable to Montana highways. The impairment of highway-runoff to water quality can be mitigated through structural or non-structural best management practices (BMPs) or through a combination of both. A wide spectrum of roadside structural BMPs, including infiltration trenches and basins, dry detention basins, constructed wetlands, wet retention ponds, vegetated swales and buffer strips, oil and grease traps, and sand filters are available to treat highway-runoff. To function efficiently and cost-effectively as mitigation measures, such facilities should be sited, designed, installed, and maintained correctly. In Montana, the cold climate may complicate the selection and performance of BMPs and present additional challenges. Non-structural BMPs, also known as preventive measures, are usually not limited by the weather or land use. If issues related to implementation can be addressed well, non-structural BMPs can be easily adopted. The project will culminate in a document providing general guidance for the management of winter traction materials developed on the basis of reviewing and synthesizing current technologies and management practices, while taking the specific needs and constraints of Montana’s affected roadways into consideration. The guidance can then be used to assist in developing portions of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) plans that require MDT’s participation

Task Descriptions

1. Consult with DEQ and FWP to Gather Relevant Information
   1. Some relevant information will be obtained by consulting with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP). In addition, DEQ and FWP may provide contacts to obtain such information.
2. Review and Summarize Relevant Literature
   1. Existing technologies, procedures, practices, and policies regarding the minimization of impacts from winter traction materials on the adjacent water bodies will be reviewed.
3. Project Reporting
   1. Quarterly progress reports, a draft final report, and the final report will be submitted to MDT.
4. Survey Other States' Experience with Winter Traction Materials Management
   1. A questionnaire will be developed and distributed to the agencies of interest by mail.
5. Project Management
   1. Dr. Xianming Shi will be the PI of this project. Dr. Otto Stein will act as the co-PI of this project and work closely with Dr. Shi. Dr. Stein will advise the Civil Engineering graduate student working on this project.

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Student Involvement

False

Relationship to Other Research Projects

False

Technology Transfer Activities

False

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Highway Runoff, Best Management Practices, Winter Mobility

Partners

Montana Department of Transportation, Montana DEQ, Montana FWP