A review and evaluation of literature pertaining to the quantity and control of pollution from highway runoff and construction

This report is the first in a series which will address the water quantity and quality impacts of highway construction in the Austin, Texas area. This literature review evaluates the impact of highway construction and operation on surface water quality and on recharge of groundwater aquifers. The types of barriers for containment and retention of sediment and pollutants from runoff and the effectiveness of each device are discussed. The report also addresses the quantity and quality of highway runoff from different types of road surfaces, drainage and conveyance systems, and various types of highways. In addition, methods and strategies for the handling and control of highway runoff and effectiveness of pollution control devices are reviewed. Highway construction may cause changes in turbidity, suspended solids concentration, and color of the receiving waters. The extent and persistence of the effects are very site specific and are usually transitory. Prevention of erosion during construction with the use of vegetative stabilization is the most effective way to minimize the adverse effects of runoff. Previous research has identified surrounding land use, traffic volume, and rainfall characteristics as the most important factors for predicting the quality of highway stormwater runoff. Most studies have concluded that the type of paving material has a relatively small effect on runoff quality. The type and size of the receiving water, the potential for dispersion, the size of the catchment area, and the biological diversity of the ecosystem are some of the factors which determine the extent and importance of runoff effects. Most of the pollutant load in highway runoff is either the suspended particulate matter, or material adsorbed to the suspended solids. The most effective control measures reduce the amount of particulates in runoff through settling or filtration. Most design references specify vegetated controls because of their wide adaptability, low costs, and minimal maintenance requirements. Wet ponds are recommended when site conditions are not conducive to vegetated controls. Infiltration practices, although offering excellent treatment potential, are the least desirable because of their high maintenance requirements.